Aug 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) forces a fumble against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the first quarter during a NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
COSTA MESA, Calif. — The Los Angeles spotlight points toward the Chargers for the first time in a long time.
The Chargers welcome the Miami Dolphins to the StubHub Center on Sunday, lifting the curtain on their second stay in L.A. They were last seen as the local 11 in these parts in 1960, so the Chargers are hoping for a thrilling first act.
They supplied plenty of dramatics in their opener, a 24-21 loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday night. The Chargers looked good at the end, but it was the first three quarters when the Chargers fell behind by 17 points that has some concerned.
But really, it’s all about this weekend when the Chargers play the first of six playoff teams in the Dolphins. Miami has been in the L.A. area all week practicing, as it escaped Hurricane Irma.
The Dolphins will be eager to get off on a good step, too.
But the Chargers have to be bent on proving they belong. Not only are they battling the Dolphins, but it’s a fight for L.A. with the Rams for fans.
If the Chargers slip to 0-2 — and if the Rams, who are playing crosstown go to 2-0 — that’s a new look for A skeptical fan base.
So, the Dolphins figure to get the Chargers’ best shot.
The Chargers are fine with that. They really do think they can be a flip from being a flop in six of the past seven years when missing the playoffs. They are also eager to show they’re much improved over the teams of the past two years that won but nine games total.
And while they were encouraged on coming back against the Broncos, especially in Denver, the Chargers are well aware there is plenty to clean up. A product that radiates spit-and-shine is what the Chargers aim for in making Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler’s return to the NFL a sour one.
–Yes, kicker Younghoe Koo had a 44-yard field goal blocked on Monday, an attempt that would have tied the Chargers with the Broncos in the final minute. And yes, the Chargers are still happy they went with Koo over Josh Lambo to start the season. Head coach Anthony Lynn points to Koo’s presence.
“You talk about body language,” Lynn said. “Just watch his body language. He has a lot swag. He’s very confident in his skills. His teammates believe in him. He’s a team-builder.” Koo said it was “a dream” to be in the do-or-die situation.
