Week 1 Loss Spurs Criticism for Chargers Coach Brandon Staley

New season, same old Chargers...

When the Los Angeles Chargers hired head coach Brandon Staley years ago, it was thought that he would bring his strong defensive principles with him. However, a few years in, and that has been far from the reality of this team.

Once again, the Chargers may be on the wrong side of things. While it is only one game, the season opener for the Bolts showed that the defense may still be a work in progress.

For this team to have any chance this season, the defense will need to step up. It falls at Staley's feet and could haunt this team all year if it doesn't change soon.

“Staley came to the organization as a defensive guru whose approach with light boxes and extra men in coverage became standard throughout the league. Yet Staley's defenses haven't finished among the top half of the league. They were exploited again by the talented Dolphins.”

Per Bleacher Report NFL Staff

The Chargers will naturally give up points as they play against some of the better teams, like Miami. It's just going to happen, but they seemingly have done this year in and year out. LA can't afford to play in shootouts every time because it typically doesn't yield strong results.

“Eventually, something must give, or the Chargers may find themselves in a position where they never realize their potential with this core.”



Per Bleacher Report NFL Staff

LA also struggled with the top-tier teams last season, and it's not off to a good start. While it is a small sample size so far, this was their chance to win a big game at home to open the season. Once again, they failed to show their overall potential.

“The Chargers are a talented team. They've posted back-to-back winning seasons since Brandon Staley became head coach. Yet they continually feel like they're falling well short of expectations.”



Per Bleacher Report NFL Staff

If things don't change, Staley will be looking for a new job next season. He is on the hot seat, and the clock is ticking on his tenure in LA.