The LA Chargers’ hopes for a miracle playoff berth officially ended Sunday. The Chargers lost 24-7 to the Denver Broncos, dropping to 5-8 on the season and nearly eliminated from playoff contention.
It was a tough game for the Chargers fans watching. In addition to poor play on the field, fans had to watch franchise quarterback Justin Herbert go down with an injury. Herbert did not play at all in the second half.
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley confirmed to the media after the game that Herbert fractured his right index finger. It goes without saying that the injury to Ebert’s pitching hand is quite serious.
Justin Herbert’s right index finger was fractured, Brandon Staley said.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) December 11, 2023
At this rate, the Chargers have no real chance of making the playoffs, and it’s time for them to focus on pushing the 2023 season further and finding a winner. Top 5 Picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. It’s unfortunate, but that’s the reality for the Bolts.
Easton Stick actually looked pretty decent in the first half, but there’s no reason for the Chargers to mock reality. Since there is no possibility of extending the season, teams would be better off optimizing whatever assets they can for the future.
The biggest sticking point in these plans is head coach Brandon Staley. Staley may be coaching for his job at this point, but the last thing his future employers want to see is a team that abandons him along the way. Football is inherently more challenging than basketball, but there are still ways to do it.
With Stick at quarterback, the Chargers will have to be especially careful about any injuries that may occur over the final four games of the season. Is Keenan Allen a little upset? Please give him a break from the game. Does Khalil Mack need to rest? There’s nothing wrong with that.
Most importantly, no matter what the Chargers do, there is absolutely no way they can rush Justin Herbert back this season. Not only would that hurt the team’s chances of getting a top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it would also put Herbert in a situation he didn’t need to be in, with a hopeless season.
