Despite the win, the Chargers still need to fire Anthony Lynn

Yes, the Chargers got the win. Yes, they still need to find a new head coach. 

When Justin Herbert connected with Jalen Guyton for a 53-yard pickup, it felt like it was over. This was the Los Angeles Chargers of days from the past that fans could be excited for in the future.

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What happened next? Two quick runs for no yards, a helmet-to-helmet exchange and a fumble in the end zone. And if not for a second wind from Herbert at the goal line, perhaps the Chargers wouldn’t have picked up the 30-27 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Chargers are now 5-9 on the season. They shouldn’t be. In fact, three games separate them from having a top-10 pick next April and having the postseason on their mind. Add in their quarterback being a touchdown away from setting the rookie record and there’s so much potential.

So, where’s the problem? Simple. Play-calling from Anthony Lynn. Now, it’s time to admit the team needs a change and start fresh in 2021. No matter the team’s final record in 2020.

Lynn’s writing is on the wall

Lynn’s poor designs in the red zone have cost the team multiple wins. They could have a clean sweep on Las Vegas, but the coach elected to pass to XFL star Donald Parham. Isaiah Johnson knocked it away.

Poor defensive play on a final drive allowed Drew Lock to connect with KJ Hammier to pick up a victory for Denver as time expired.

If Lynn’s design falls in his favor, Los Angeles is a serviceable 7-7 with a rookie gunslinger. But what would they be in Lynn had his way all along?

It’s been well-documented that Lynn never wanted to start Herbert. Even after taking Patrick Mahomes down to the wire in Week 2, the fourth-year coach still was non-committal to Herbert starting long-term.

Then there are the clock management skills. Two instances in the last month have shown that Lynn cares little for points. Most recently, Lynn was so confused by what to do against Atlanta, he missed the opportunity for any points before halftime.

Las Vegas gave the Chargers every chance to win from the second drive on without Derek Carr. Los Angeles held a 24-17 lead entering the final 15 minutes of action. Instead, both teams needed nearly another 15 to decide a winner in an ugly showdown.

In reality, the Chargers aren’t cursed at all. They’re just poorly coached. And with it, the naysayers and doubters earn another week of talking about how terrible being a Chargers fan is.

It can stop at any time, but Dean Spanos and Tom Telesco need to let Lynn leave. The city of LA is winning in the sporting culture. More than that, the franchise has the one soul piece to entice coaching on heading out west with Herbert.

If Lynn stays, expect the same positive plays and negative results for another season.