Joey Bosa and Derwin James Jr., Chargers Justin Herbert vouch to be ‘incredible leaders’ Brandon Staley
Brandon Staley is under fire
Following Saturday’s defeat by the Los Angeles Chargers, the head coach of the team is under fire. a wild-card loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Those calls are not coming from the Chargers locker.
As a result of Saturday’s shocking loss, the team’s most prominent players spoke out in support of their coach on Sunday. Justin Herbert, Quarterback, stated to reporters that the players back Staley 100% and the Chargers’ front office led by Tom Telesco.
“We believe in coach Staley, the front office 100 percent.” Herbert said. Staley would be a great coach. He is an amazing leader. He has the respect of everyone on our team.”
Derwin James Jr. echoed Herbert’s sentiments. Staley was referred to as his “guy” by All-Pro safety team captain.
“That’s my man,” James saidPer Bridget Condon of the NFL Network. He’s put a lot of effort into it. Many guys in the locker area believe in him. He is a man I believe in.”
He also advised patience to the second-year coach.
“It doesn’t seem like it happens overnight,” James said. “I feel that what we built here, and what we continue to build each day, is something special. It was clear that the first half of that project showed this.”
Staley has been controversial since his takeover of the Chargers’ sideline. His aggressive game management style and penchant to make calculated bets have made him a controversial figure. It was disappointing to miss the playoffs last year. The Chargers reached the playoffs this season without wide receiver Mike Williams. Williams was a key player that could have helped in close games.
Williams was forced to withdraw from the game because of a back fracture sustained In the Chargers season finale Staley played his starters, despite being locked into No. 5 seed. The decision and subsequent injury increased the heat on Staley The Chargers were playing their first postseason match since 2018.
Staley’s defensive scheme forced Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence to take four interceptions in Jacksonville. This helped the Chargers to get off to a blistering start. The wheels started to fall off.
After a series of mistakes by the Chargers, the Jaguars were able to win the game. Jacksonville outscored Los Angeles 24-0 in the second half. Jacksonville won the final minute with a field goal. The Chargers sideline captured the chaos perfectly.
Joey Bosa was frustrated by a series call that didn’t go his direction and slammed to the ground his helmet as he left field in the fourth quarter. Staley took it and gave it to Bosa who promptly slammed on the turf again.
It wasn’t a great looking look for Staley or Bosa. Bosa stated on Sunday that he didn’t blame his head coach.
“Why did my helmet hit the ground?” Bosa said. “He took it and tried to calm my nerves and get me back on track. I then grabbed it from him, and he threw it again. It’s his fault. It’s mine.”
Bosa said that he has “grown to really love my coaches” and that success doesn’t come overnight.
Bosa spoke of a team that reached the playoffs despite the innumerable injuries sustained by key players.
Staley was once considered one of the best young coaches in football. The Chargers management now faces a huge decision, as pressure from the outside mounts against Staley. A lurking Sean Payton — who’s taking calls from teams after a season off from the New Orleans Saints sideline — isn’t helping Staley’s cause.
Staley is a major supporter. He won’t lose the job because he was kicked out of the Chargers locker.