Austin Ekeler discussed the Chargers’ problems with inconsistency in finishing games in detail on Tuesday’s episode of “The Jim Rome Show.”
Inconsistency. It’s just straight-up inconsistency. And it’s not just the players, like when you look at the NFL, a lot of the players, yes, there’s outliers, but a lot of the players are very similar in talent, there’s not a huge gap. You might have a few outliers, and if your team has a few of these decent outlier players, then you have a chance to win games.
Ekeler followed up on his comments by indicating that he doesn’t think the Chargers’ struggles can solely be blamed on injuries to star players.
If you have no studs on your team, superstars that can hold the rope and make plays consistently, it’s going to be hard for you to win. And that’s what we have salary caps, and that’s why we pay these players, and you know, people have the contracts that they have. And for us, when we have our guys that are getting hurt that are being consistent for us, right, that plays a part into it. And we’ve had injuries over the past years, and you can’t blame everything on injuries. Our coaching hasn’t always been the best. Our play hasn’t always been the best. And when you have a combination of those, then guess what? You’re going to be inconsistent.
Ekeler has made similar comments regarding the consistency of last year’s offense. While it is not surprising to hear the veteran running back say some version of, “everyone needs to be better,” the coaching staff barb feels more pointed than vague after Sunday’s loss.
Ekeler had 117 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s effort as he looks to replicate that effort in Week 2 against the Titans. Thursday’s injury report will provide clarity on his ankle injury if he’s listed with any injury status. Meanwhile, Brandon Staley’s defense will look to rebound from a universally panned Week 1 effort.