Chargers News: LA Defensive Starters Rally Behind Coach Staley's Questionable 4th-Quarter Move

While the Los Angeles Chargers got a much-needed win over the weekend over the Minnesota Vikings to avoid a 0-3 start to the season, the win was less than inspiring. The Bolts lucked out a victory, but there are still major concerns for this team going forward.

Los Angeles almost blew the game on another way too-aggressive call by head coach Brandon Staley. The defense saved him this time, otherwise, the head coach who has been on the hot seat, would have faced another very tough week.

Late in the game, the Bolts went for a 4th and one on their own 24-yard line, and they didn’t convert. They handed the ball back to the Vikings with a prime chance to make Staley regret his decision, but luckily for them, Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a tipped interception.

Staley defended his decision at the moment, and that in itself may be the biggest issue for the Chargers moving forward.

“We were trying to go win the game,” Staley said. “I make no apologies for that.”

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic

The Bolts survived this game, but it wasn’t a good win. It was another awful decision made by a head coach who at times looks in over his head. However, despite everything, the Chargers got the win.

And no matter what anyone feels about Staley as the head coach, his players do tend to stick by him. They did so once again after the game, as Asante Samuel Jr., Kenneth Murray and others came to his defense.

“That’s what he gets paid to do, to make that call,” Murray said. “He made that call, and then we get paid to go out there and play defense and back him up.”

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic

This bodes well for Staley as a players coach, but his aggressive decision-making has cost the Chargers games in the past. This time it worked, but the organization usually isn’t so lucky.

“I’m behind my coach every time,” Samuel said.

Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic

LA got a big victory to avoid a massive hole in the standings, but any concerns that people had for this time likely weren’t put to bed after this game. The Chargers have a ton of work to do if they want to reach their goals, and it starts with Staley learning from his mistakes.

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