Are the San Diego Chargers Contenders or Pretenders 2014..

Are the San Diego Chargers Contenders or Pretenders 2014..
  First of off they started 5-1 and the talk of the NFL.. oh how early success spoiled them because after that they went on 3 game losing streak putting them at 5-4 and the talk of the team not making playoffs and what a disappointment this year has become.. Then.. they go on a 3 game winning streak,, putting at 8-4 and then the talk amongst fans is now they have a chance at winning the division, getting a higher seed etc.. especially the next two game were at home.. where they were 5-1 , the only loss a close on to the Chiefs.. But the issue was they played the two top teams in the AFC , BOTH division leaders with future hall of fame qbs.. The Patriots winners of three Superbowl's and the Denver Broncos winners of two with a Superbowl winning quarterback in Peyton Manning. 
  Well , it was time to see if the Chargers are contenders or pretenders?, both games were critical in finding out where the chargers lie..
  MY TAKE.. they were close but yet so far, if anything , it showed the team still needs key players at key positions and of course. That's why those two teams won, they had great starters and they have adequate back ups .. the chargers in other words were out manned, out gunned, out coached.. in every facet of the game.. I know,, the games were close,, maybe, perhaps , but bottom line,, you have to win those games at home, especially when you needed them more than they did, so to speak.. But the chargers were a no show especially on offense.,, Enough of the excuses, missing running backs, missing receiver's ,, hurt qb,, etc., Well guess what? Teams have the same amount of games, pay against professional players and have to deal with the same issues,, Its really true , when it next man up.. The chargers were not up to task, and it showed how far they are from the elites... The charger's still need linemen to protect Rivers and to start up a running game. The Chargers need another running back that is every down and durable,, they also need another pass rusher and perhaps another corner back,, depending if they are staying with flowers.. and maybe its time to look at a younger back up quarterback to groom. Plus we need to add depth to his team , so that when things go wrong they can respond.. Another thing , I feel is needed is a evaluation or a new strength and conditioning program, because it sems this team has been snake bitten .. Just a thought..
  Now are the chargers are configured can they win out.. of course they can.. but will they, it will be a dog fight, because the 49ers ,, are a talented , but injured team, and based on all the rumors about their Head coach,, these guys are now auditioning for the next head coach and their jobs.. If anything this team is more scarier now then earlier in the year. I expect a fight for survival for  both teams,, The chargers have to win out. any loss , it game set match. Can Coach McCoy do it, if he does, then he's a quality and competent coach, if not, then ,, back to drawing board and a full review of all the positions on this team.. I like Frank Reich, but he is no Whisenhunt ,, and it showed,, maybe another year or a intense off season home work program will get him up to speed. The Chargers also need to evaluate the wide receiver coaching staff. It seems alot of the wide outs are not running crisp routes,, and not finding separation. I could be the theory , without the running game , teams are more focused on stopping the passing game,, sure, but I still feel they are not making the cuts and moves I see on other wide outs in the league.. Its tough to say perhaps we need to look for some true play making wide outs instead of just guys making the roster.. 
 This Saturday is do or die and they must win,, and I'm looking forward to seeing if they can assemble a running game of any kind and who other than gates will step up.. ? I like Floyd and royal, then trusting TUTU or rookie unknown,, In man.. if there is a time to stand up or stand out its Saturday night. The defense needs another solid effort if they can keep the score to 2 tds.. that may be enough for the chargers to win on the road, if not then the chargers are doomed to finish this year 8-8, and to be honest a disappointing season, based on how well they started, AT 5-1.. With two close out wins for the season they can do one game better than last year and a successful season , even if they don't make the playoffs, but a loss or two ,, could signify a disappointing season,, and alot of things to review and repair next season through the draft and or free agency. Its all up to the Chargers and the coaching staff to get ready and finish  strong.. The December to remember has been the mantra they have been riding on the past few years, but because of injury , to many of its stars, hardwick, mathews, and now allen.. It seems that magical run they were accustomed to, has not happened , and maybe just maybe the early season success , spoiled their minds into thinking , this is easy, and now with two games remaining,, The question will be answered if the chargers are true contenders or pretenders.. Based on how they have played all year , anything is possible,, and winning  both games are possible,, but because they let too many close games get passed them.. The Cardinals by one point and the Chiefs at home by 3 pts.. could of or should of changed how this season would of ended. By The Chargers have a leader In rivers , and despite the injuries , he will come out to play and will his team to wins and see what happens.. The difference between Contender and Pretender is so close that a missed field goal here or a close loss , could mean the difference between being a contender to pretender. My take, they will finish 10-6 , but the energy to make that happen , will affect how they play in the playoffs if qualified.. Losing all those star players doesn't help , but this is the NFL.. You have to play with what you have.. NFL = NOTHING FOR LOSERS.. no one is feeling sorry for any team at this time of the year.. Win out , Chargers and hope other lose , and your in... but lose even just one game ,, and its wait till next year.. This Saturday's game with the 49ers ,, could be the game that decides how the rest of season ends.. A win,, sets them up for a great season finale with the Chiefs,, , a loss could set up a melo dramatic finish to a season with many hopes and desires.. If anything ,, This team has played their hearts out this year and we find out how much heart and desire they have the rest of the way .. It can set up a enthusiastic finish to the season and great anticipation for the next years NFL draft and the assemblage of a championship team for the future. Contender or Pretender ,, its up  to what happens in the next two weeks ,, and as charger fans await,, This could be a December to remember with a strong finish and a chance in playoffs. What do you think? I think they have the leaders and play makers to make it happen, and lets see if they have the same belief , the charger faithful,,.. feel.. Contender or Pretender , the answer will surface Saturdays night Dec 20, 2014... and I can't wait.. ??
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