Chargers Face Uphill Battle in Playoff Pursuit

History isn't on their side here..

Starting a season 0-2 in the NFL is almost like the kiss of death for a team. While it is something that organizations can overcome, history hasn’t been on the side of the squads that start slowly.

“Since 2000, only 18 of 187 teams to start 0-2 have made the playoffs, according to TruMedia. Since the NFL expanded the playoff to seven teams per conference in 2020, only one of 23 teams to start 0-2 have made the playoffs”

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic

For the Los Angeles Chargers, this means that they will have to defy history if they want to reach the postseason. After dropping another game to open the year, the Bolts now find themselves 0-2, with both losses coming to AFC opponents.

This isn’t a great sign for their playoff hopes in the loaded AFC, but they have the talent to make a comeback. It is going to take the entire team working together toward the common goal if they want to overcome the odds against them.

“Obviously, we’re missing something,” said receiver Keenan Allen, who led the offense with eight catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Per The Athletic

The biggest issue that has plagued the Chargers through the first two games has been their ability to make the big play when needed. The effort has been there, but they just haven’t been able to close the games. It takes 60 minutes to win a football game, and the Chargers have learned that the hard way once again.

“There were spots we could have taken advantage of and really put a nail in the coffin,” edge rusher Khalil Mack said. “It hurt us.”

Per The Athletic

Something needs to change starting this coming week for the Bolts; otherwise, the season will get away from them as quickly as it started. They head on the road again to take on the Minnesota Vikings, who are also 0-2 in the new season. 

This wasn’t the start that Los Angeles was hoping for, but it’s now the reality that they find themselves in.