Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is goinginto his 2nd season, and it appears putting together a winning record in his novice project hasactually produced more pressure in Year 2.
According to FOX Sports NFL expert Bucky Brooks, with a lineup packed with skill, missingouton the playoffs onceagain isn’t an alternative for Staley.
“They have to make the playoffs and make a run,” Brooks stated Wednesday on “The Herd.” “It’s not just the pressure on Justin Herbert. The pressure is on the coach duetothefactthat the last time we saw the Chargers, all of the discussion was about Brandon Staley and his analytical tilt in terms of how he calls the videogame — going for it on 4th down, didn’t repair the defense.”
Will Chargers development the packed AFC West?
FOX Sports NFL Analyst Bucky Brooks signsupwith Joy Taylor on “The Herd” and responses if Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers are under pressure to certify for the postseason next year.
Staley took over the Chargers after a year as defensive planner for the Los Angeles Rams. The Chargers continued to go 9-8, directly missingouton the postseason, and some of Staley’s choices came under extreme analysis — particularly a possibly season-defining timeout in Week 18.
In an effort to make another playoff push this season, the Chargers retooled on the defensive side of the ball, primarily by bringing in seasonal Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack, as well as Pro Bowl corner J.C. Jackson.
Staley served as outside linebackers coach in Chicago back in 2017 and 2018, when Mack was with the Bears.
“Now, they went out and they have an all-star group,” Brooks stated of the Chargers. “This group, at a minimum, has to get to the playoffs and win in the postseason.”
Herbert is relatedto as one of the finest young quarterbacks in the league, evidenced by his efficiency over the past 2 seasons. He has 9,350 backyards passing, 69 passing goals, a 66.2% conclusion portion and a 97.9 quarterback score.
However, Brooks stated the jury is still out as to whether Staley can match Herbert’s increasing fame.
“I think the coach feels far more pressure than Justin Herbert. I believe Justin Herbert is a star. Justin Herbert is a top-five quarterback. We desire to see him level up in terms of getting his group going, so he can get his flowers, however the pressure is on Staley.
“Staley has to get this group over the bulge.”
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