Five Questions With Laz: Can Chargers Take Next Step?

Every week, NBC 7 Sports Director Jim Laslavic gives his impressions on the Chargers and the NFL. This week we talk about what it will take for this team to make the playoffs.

Here are Five Quetsions with Laz:

1. Give your assessment of this team after losing at home to two tough teams.

The Chargers lost to better teams.

Think back to the outstanding teams from a few years ago. The offensive line had Marcus McNeal, Kris Dielman, Nick Hardwick, Mike Goff and Jeromey Clary. Only D.J. Fluker could crack the starting line-up on that team.

It’s a passing league, but it’s also a line of scrimmage game. The Chargers need to get better up front on both sides of the football. And they need to catch a break when it comes to injuries.

2. What has been going on with Philip Rivers the past few weeks?

No running game, means they rely too much on the passing game. The Patriots and Broncos have enough talent in the secondary to take Keenan Allen out of the game plan.

3. Despite the outcome, you have to be impressed with the Chargers defense, right?

Both weeks they played well. The four straight three-and-outs to start the second half against the Pats was impressive.

And sure, Manning was sick, but he really had to work hard to get the Broncos on the scoreboard.

4. What would you say are the Chargers’ odds of making the playoffs?

About the same as last year at this time and we all know what happened. The 49ers are out of contention for the first time under coach Jim Harbaugh. It will be interesting to see how they respond.

The Chiefs have to play in Pittsburgh this week. That won’t be easy. So, don’t give up on the Chargers yet.

5. Who was louder: Pats fans or Broncos fans?

Toss up. Chargers need to give fans more of a reason not to sell their tickets. It all starts with the product on the field.

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