Getty Image / Katelyn Mulcahy
Brandon Staley has been a lightning rod for criticism since taking over as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Last season, fans questioned some of his fourth down decisions and any criticism of him grew after a being eliminated from playoff contention in strange fashion.
Heading into Week 18 last season, the Chargers could claim a playoff spot with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. If the teams tied, both would make the playoffs.
The game needed overtime to be decided. Even in overtime, the both teams struggled to claim the win. Late in the extra period, the Raiders had the ball and appeared to be running down the clock to take the tie.
For some reason, Staley decided to take a timeout rather than let the clock run down. The Raiders then proceeded to kick a field goal for the win and eliminated the Chargers from playoff contention.
This year, the team went into their Week 18 matchup against the Broncos with nothing to play for. They were already locked into the 5 seed and a matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars after the Baltimore Ravens lost.
For some reason, he decided to play his starters anyway. Joey Bosa and Mike Williams both ended up missing the game with injuries.
Luckily, Bosa is going to be ready for the playoff game.
Staley hasn’t gotten so lucky with Williams. He hasn’t practiced this week and according to Ian Rapoport will be a game-time decision on Saturday.
#Chargers WR Mike Williams (back) did not practice today and is questionable for Saturday. The team will give him up to game-time to be able to go vs. the #Jaguars.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2023
Staley should have never taken this risk with his starters, especially given the team’s injury issues throughout the season.
The first time they played the Jaguars, Justin Herbert was injured and Keenan Allen missed the game. The game didn’t go well for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Staley has to hope things go better the second time or he’ll spend another offseason with fans questioning a Week 18 decision.