2008 San Diego Chargers – Dissapointment in Pittsburgh

Following the 2008 San Diego Chargers was like going on an exploration of disappointment.  Four months ago the San Diego was perceived to be among the top five most talented football teams on the planet.  Then, two and a half months later they were perceived to be in the bottom five in the league.  After fighting back, they managed to fall back into the playoffs, only to lose in the second round.  It was disappointing that they were only 8-8 on the year, but then they were a Cinderella story.  However, Cinderella didn’t make it to the ball.  This final brand of disappointment was the worst kind because it was deserved.

The final game against the Steelers was predictable, ending with the best team standing.  There weren’t any questionable calls that mattered or even very many unbelievable plays.  The Chargers were an athletic west coast team who lost to a smash mouth east coast team in their stadium in the snow. 

“We got ourselves in a situation where we had to string eight in a row together,” Rivers said. “We had to play eight elimination games to win it all. That’s tough to do. We stump our toe one time in Pittsburgh and have a crazy third quarter and it’s over.  It’s hard fighting a battle up hill.” 

“The last two years, September didn’t go the way we’d hoped,” safety Eric Weddle said. “Doing it this way is tiring. We’ve got to be a complete team from day one next year.”

Unrestricted free agents include guard Kynan Forney, guard Mike Goff, linebacker Marques Harris, center Jeremy Newberry, defensive end Igor Olshansky and running back Darren Sproles. Wide receiver Malcom Floyd and cornerback Cletis Gordon are restricted free agents, and tackle Jeromey Clary is an exclusive rights free agent. 

The future is uncertain for this group of Chargers who have been together for a while now.  Is the window for LT’s greatness closed forever?  Will Shawn Merriman return with his same All Pro style of play?  Can Norv Turner continue to lead a team into the playoffs while answering still lingering questions about his abilities?  Who will we draft?  Who will we sign in the off-season?  These are all questions that will be answered in due time.  They are unavoidable things that will play out in the next year.  I only hope it won’t be disappointing to watch.

photos from www.chargers.com

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