Charger Opener Brings Back Dreadful Memories Of 2015

No Comments September 16, 2016 Chargers By John Stellman

I can’t’ believe it!

Is it still 2015 or have we moved on?

Off On The Wrong Foot

From the looks of the San Diego Charger’s 2016 National Football League opener, nothing has changed.

And for the diehards, it spells migraines!

I was hoping last year was just a nightmare. Wake up and all is well.

But Game 1 was still a scary sight.

Head Still Aches!

The Chargers were breezing.

They had a comfortable 24-3 advantage in the third quarter of their game in Kansas City.

I heaved a huge sigh of relief.

Those ghosts who had haunted the Bolts much of last year had finally disappeared.

Or so I thought.

How Low Can You Go?

I didn’t think the depths of despair could go any lower.

Boy was I wrong.

On a forgettable Sunday afternoon, the Chargers actually got in to the record book.

Historic Collapse

Their collapse laid the ground work for the largest comeback in the Chiefs 56-year history.

Not something the Chargers are particularly proud of I’m sure.

A 17-point advantage evaporated right before our very eyes.

When Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith suddenly hit Jeremy Maclin in the end zone, it was 27-17 with nine minutes left.

Who Wants To Win?

It was almost as if the Chargers were playing not to lose.

On the contrary, the Chiefs were playing to win.

Cairo Santos connected on a 33-yard field goal to slice the lead to seven.

What Did The Chargers Do?

And how did the Chargers respond?

Three plays and a punt!

Then on the fourth play of Kansas City’s possession, Spencer Ware plunged into the end zone.

And what seemed like an insurmountable Charger lead had disappeared.

I hope this was just a blip on the radar and that we’re not revisiting last season.

Forgettable Year

We all want to forget the 4-12 disaster that included it’s share of heartbreaks.

After splitting their first four games, San Diego had a victory over Pittsburgh in their grasp.

Josh Lambo’s 54-yard field goal broke a 17-17 tie with 2:56 left on the clock.

But the well disciplined Steelers promptly marched 80 yards in 12 plays.

The drive culminated with a one yard plunge by Le’Veon Bell as the final second ticked off the clock.

Leads Disappears

Week eight found the Chargers in possession of a 23-16 third quarter lead in their game against Baltimore.

But a 48-yard field goal on the final play of the quarter and Joe Flacco’s one yard plunge with 4:37 remaining provided the margin of victory.

San Diego followed that up with another collapse against the Bears.

Leading 16-7 after three quarters the Chargers were clinging to a 19-14 advantage with 7:55 left.

Cutler Cool

Unfortunately Jake Cutler wasn’t finished just yet.

His 25-yard end zone completion followed by a successful two point conversion sunk the Bolts, 22-19.

The Chargers split their next two games. They got thumped by the Chiefs, 33-3, but beat Jacksonville, 31-25.

No End Zone!

They managed a mere field goal against both Denver and Kansas City, losing both games.

After torching Miami for 23 first half points en route to 30-14 cakewalk, San Diego reverted to form against Oakland.

The Chargers couldn’t hold a 17-12 lead in the fourth quarter.

After the Raiders scored and successfully converted on a two point conversion, Lambo’s 45-yard field goal with 1:00 sent the game into overtime.

Sebastian Janikowski 31-yard field goal completed the Oakland comeback 8:09 into overtime.

What’s New?

Fitting the finale against Denver should mirror much of the Chargers season.

An 80-yard fourth quarter pass from Philip Rivers to Tyrell Williams gave the Bolts their final lead of the season, 20-17.

But as had happened too many times in the past, the Broncos scored the game’s final 10 points to put San Diego’s dismal season to rest.

And unfortunately the Chargers have started this season the way they ended their last.

That’s not a good omen.

SAY IT ISN’T SO JOE!

Say it isn’t so.

Please!

image: boltsbrand.com

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John Stellman

I was born with sports in my blood. I began coaching little league baseball at 15. I was the sports editor of my high school newspaper. I did football play by play for the college radio station. I broadcast high school basketball for a local commercial station. But baseball was always my passion. During the 1970's I covered the Angels for the Orange County Register. And now I am back where I belong...