Sports

Brandon Staley Appears To Age 20 Years Overnight As Chargers’ Close Losses Take Their Toll

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Brandon Staley on the field during a game between the Cowboys and Chargers.

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Brandon Staley is one of the youngest coaches in the NFL at just 40 years of age. Unfortunately, spending two seasons at the helm in Los Angeles appears to have taken its toll.

The Chargers are notorious for playing up or down to their competition, with every game seeming to come down to the wire. Football fans are joking that he’s grown old overnight after so many close calls.

Staley took over in LA in the 2021 season, posting a 9-8 record. Unfortunately, a three-point overtime loss to the Raiders on the season finale booted the Chargers from playoff contention. Had they just tied in that contest, they would’ve landed the final postseason seed.

Instead, it went to the 9-7-1 Steelers.

@jmproductions06 The story of take the tie raiders v chargers#nfl #chargers #derekcarr #raiders ♬ Capo – NLE Choppa

That crushing defeat was one of 10 one-score games in Staley’s first season, though it didn’t seem to matter the level of competition. Twice they either won or lost by six points to the first place Chiefs, while also playing close against an eight-win Vikings team and a seven-win Washington squad.

Year 2 was no different as Staley’s bunch saw 13 one-score matchups, including a brutal 31-30 playoff loss at the hands of the Jaguars. Los Angeles led 27-0 at one point in that contest. Again, it didn’t matter if the Chargers lined up against the 49ers or the Broncos, the game was tight.

Fans believe the close calls are taking a toll in Year 3, where all five Charger outcomes have been decided by seven points or less. That included Monday night’s matchup with Dallas where the Cowboys kicked a go-ahead field goal in the final three minutes to win, 20-17.

After seeing Brandon Staley’s team take another game down to the wire, many online commented on the head coach’s age and appearance.

“Brandon Staley has aged 10 years since last season.”

“How many years has Brandon Staley aged since he’s been in L.A.? Seems like a lot.”

“Man, Brandon Staley look like he’s aged 30 years from running that circus in LA.”

“Brandon Staley actually aged like 10 years in less than a year.”

While some think the close losses are to blame, others say it’s all part of his plan.

With the loss to Dallas on MNF, Staley and Co. fell to 2-3 on the season. They’ll be sure to see more close contests as the year goes on.