Chargers, last place in the AFC West, remain optimistic

'With this group, there’s a lot of pride and we expect to win every one that we play,' coach Brandon Staley says before Sunday's game against Baltimore

It’s too soon to wave a white flag in surrender. There are too many games to be played to give up and start thinking about next season. There are too many variables that could come into play, too many reasons to believe something good can come out of the final seven games.

That’s the Chargers’ story, anyway, and they’re sticking with it.

Quarterback Justin Herbert and safety Derwin James Jr., two of the Chargers’ team captains and two of their most accomplished players, huddled after their loss this past Sunday to the Green Bay Packers. They said they agreed now was not the time to quit, but it was the time to continue to fight.

Rallying for a playoff berth seems far-fetched at this point, with the Chargers sitting in last place in the AFC West with a 4-6 record and the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens (8-3) paying a visit to SoFi Stadium on Sunday night. What’s more, the Chargers have yet to beat a quality opponent.

So, how do they keep going at this point, when all seems lost?

“With this group, there’s a lot of pride and we expect to win every one that we play,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “When you lose some close ones like we have, especially two in a row (to the Packers and Detroit Lions), there’s going to be that impact, similar to after we lost to Kansas City.”

In fact, the Chargers have lost five games by a combined total of 14 points. They lost each of their past two by three points, including 23-20 to the Packers on a late touchdown pass. Their widest loss was by 31-17 to the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs on Oct. 22 at Kansas City.

The Chargers’ frustration was equal to or greater to their disappointment after giving up more than 300 yards passing and two touchdowns, including the game-winner, to Green Bay’s Jordan Love last Sunday at Lambeau Field. Herbert and James talked in order to ensure things didn’t spiral further.

“Captains talking,” James said.

Or as Staley explained, “Any frustration you may have seen is because I think our guys really believe in each other. They believe in what they’re seeing throughout the week (during practice, meetings and film sessions). They know throughout the game that you see a team that is really capable.”

The Chargers simply haven’t met expectations through the season’s first 10 games, theirs or those of others. Instead of challenging the Chiefs, Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars for AFC supremacy, the Chargers are battling to stay out of last place in the final weeks.

“I think it’s just frustrating when you don’t get that bottom line, but what this team has done consistently is come back the next week and prepare, hang tough and be ready for the next one,” Staley said.

Criticism for their unanticipated state of affairs has fallen heavily upon Staley’s shoulders. He has called the defensive plays since his arrival and matters haven’t improved over his three seasons as head coach. The pass coverage, in particular, has been leaky beyond repair this season.

Staley promised to increase competition among the defensive backs this week during practice as the Chargers prepared to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Moving the versatile James into a slot coverage position against the Packers helped with their run defense, but didn’t slow down Love’s passing.

No question, there is added pressure on Staley, general manager Tom Telesco, the coaching staff and the players as they attempt a course correction that doesn’t seem realistic at this late stage of the season. It’s fair to say jobs are at stake in the final weeks, but isn’t that always the case?

“I feel the same every time I’ve ever coached a game in the NFL,” Staley said. “I feel that this is the biggest game of my life, which is how I’ve approached every game I’ve competed in my whole life. That’s the approach I’ve brought here. I expect for us to compete at a high level this week.”

CHARGERS (4-6) vs. RAVENS (8-3)

When: 5:20 p.m. Sunday

Where: SoFi Stadium

TV/Radio: Ch. 4/98.7 FM; 105.5 FM/94.3 FM (Spanish)