Reason For HOPE: Chris Hayre Joins to Tell You Why NOT to Give Up on the Chargers in 2025

Reason For HOPE: Chris Hayre Joins to Tell You Why NOT to Give Up on the Chargers in 2025

We have a very special guest alert because today we are bringing on Chargers expert Chris Hayvery and he’s going to tell you why there is still hope for this 2025 team. You are Locked on Chargers, your daily podcast on the Los Angeles Chargers, part of the Locked On podcast network, your team every day. What is up and welcome into the Locked On Chargers podcast. I’m your host Danny Wade, joined as always by my co-host David Drogmire. And we’ve been covering the Chargers now for 10 seasons, but this is our eighth year as a host of the Locked On Chargers podcast, bringing you your team every day as part of the number one sports podcast network. Thank you to the Everydayers out there for making us your first listen. As always, to make sure you don’t miss big time guest interviews like the one that we have today, go subscribe or follow for free on the Lockdown Chargers YouTube channel and listen wherever you get your podcast from. And I’m really excited. I know the NFL view went really well and we have a lot of great stuff including where he is finding hope for this Chargers 2025 team even after that blowout loss to the Jaguars. Also what he thinks the return of Omaran Hampton will do for this team and exactly what this team needs to figure out to beat the teams necessary to make the playoffs in 2025. But today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now, new customers can bet just $5. And if your bet wins, you’ll get $300 in bonus bets to use across the app. Here he is, Chris Hary. All right, guys. Well, we have a very special guest that we’ve been promising all week. And here he is. We have Chris Hayy here. Super excited to get him on the show today, especially with a seven and four season. And I think Chargers fans needing some hope, but if you recognize him, it’s probably because he’s the host of the Chargers weekly podcast. He’s also a sports anchor and reporter for CBS Los Angeles. Chris, thanks so much for joining, man. Gentlemen, always a pleasure. Good to see you guys. Haven’t talked to you in a while. So, uh, it’s good to catch up and hopefully on the on the right side of things here, uh, as as we’ve closed this season strong, hopefully if you’re the Chargers. Yeah, and that’s exactly kind of where I want to start, man. Like, I wouldn’t wish anyone to have to sit with the loss the Chargers had for two weeks after the buy. Obviously, a good time to have a buy. A lot to try to figure out, but at the same time, you have to sit with it and you can’t kind of get that taste out of your mouth. Like I was I wish there was a Thursday night football game after the blowout that we saw just so we could get past that Jaguars games. But I think in general Chargers fans are pretty down after that blowout loss. And it feels like they lost kind of all the goodwill they had built up during the threeame winning streak that led up to it which is easy to forget about right now. But with the tough schedule ahead, I think fans are having a hard time finding that hope. What would you say are the reasons to be hopeful about this Chargers 2025 team? Well, I I think if you just and it’s listen, we can’t do it, but if you just erase what happened in Jacksonville and you see what happened the three games prior, um especially that that Pittsburgh game that that Pittsburgh game I left that game uh that evening at Sofi Stadium saying, you know what, the the Chargers defense is going to be the unit that carries these guys uh throughout the rest of the year and maybe even in the playoffs. I I firmly and I still believe that. Now, what we saw in Jacksonville kind of dashed those hopes in really all three phases. I mean, I you know, I travel with the team and I usually have a you have a pretty good sense of like kind of where the team is and I I have to admit I I felt like these guys are ready to roll. They were going to close this uh this stretch of their season. And just think about how long it’s been, right? You start training camp earlier than everybody. You go to Canton for the Hall of Fame game, have an extra preseason game. You go to Brazil, you’re you’re cross country, man. Like you go to New York, then Miami, then Tennessee, then back again, Jacksonville, and I am by like no means making excuses for an NFL team who travels well. And you know, it’s it’s it’s one thing to have a ton of miles, but these guys did have a, you know, another 10 a.m. kickoff on the West Coast, and um it just didn’t click from the beginning. And I think anybody who watched that game in that in that first quarter knew that this probably wasn’t going to be a great day in all three phases. So, I mean, I I think with a with a loss like that, all you can do is essentially just flush it and move on. And and a guy like Khalil Mack, there’s leaders on this team that I think will get uh some of these players, especially players who maybe haven’t been there before, haven’t been in the league a long time, get them in the right frame of mind moving forward. And I mean, you want optimism. you’re you’re seven and four. Uh you’re three and0 in the division still. Like you can’t take those first three weeks away from the Chargers. And I think that they’re sitting in a in a envial position right now because of what happened those first three weeks. Now goes without saying you got to take care of the Raiders to get to 8 and four. And then you kind of look at the the path to the postseason. So I almost look at the season from like right right now this week it’s almost like three different buckets. It’s like all right. A how do you beat the Raiders? B, what’s the path to the postseason? And C, once you get there, how can you make damage and do damage? Um, we saw what happened in Houston last year. That can’t happen again this year. And it’s easier said than done when uh when you know you’re down Alt and you’re down Slater. Uh but we’ve seen flashes from this team and and I think that you know, starting obviously against the Raiders on Sunday, get to eight and four and then kind of see where you are as a football team, recalibrate and get ready for the Eagles. Yeah, the last game was such a disaster and it was even, you know, harder to swallow because it was followed by the by-week and, you know, they have to sit there with sit that, you know, with that for two weeks with that taste in their mouths. First, you know, how how much does a blowout, you know, do the Chargers kind of, you know, be attributed to being burnt out? And second, how much can this by-week help them, especially with Jim Harbaugh giving them some extra rest? Yeah, I I I it can do nothing but help them. Um, I I kind of rattled off their schedule. I mean, it’s it’s been an absolute grind for these guys. And again, NFL teams, the last thing they’ll do is give you an excuse um on, you know, why they’re not playing up to par, but I mean, the proof’s in the pudding on the West Co or the East Coast rather, the Chargers just have not played well this year. They did not play well in week four against the Giants. They did not play well, frankly, against the the Dolphins for much of that game and had to come back miraculously at the end to win it. They did not play good against the Titans in that game. When when the Tennessee Titans are, you know, scoring 14 points in a blink because of a a special teams mishap and a pick six, that’s not a good sign. So, um I I just I think that this buy was needed for a lot of reasons. A to recharge. Um you know, Dan, you mentioned at the beginning, I’m sure these guys wanted to get back out there almost similar to the Colts game where you get blown out, you want to get back out there and kind of avenge it and forget about it. They’ve had to sit with this one for two weeks. You look at the by-week, nothing really went right for them in terms of the schedule. The Chiefs beat the Colts. The Texans have creeped back into things. You know, the the Colts are still eight and three, but now you got the Jags who barely squeaked out a win against the Cardinals. Um the Bills dropped a game, so now they’re kind of jumbled up with the Chargers there. So, right now, I see there’s there’s seven spots and there’s 10 teams and there’s three teams that are going to be left out. And you know, if you just do the math, like I look at the path to the playoffs with the Chargers, obviously Sunday, but uh that game in Kansas City and that game uh at home against the Texans where they’re going to be wearing those Navies again, th those may be the the three games that decide the Chargers season. Obviously, you want to win them all. You want to win the Cowboys game, the Eagles game, that week 18 game against the Broncos. That may or may not mean anything, but I look at those three games starting Sundays is take care of the team you got to take care of. And then I’m circling at Arrowhead coming off that Monday night game and then the Texans with that punishing defense. Um it was it was tough to see Josh Allen get beat up like that on Thursday night and thinking that they’re coming to SoFi in a month or so. So the Chargers um it’s it’s not going to be an easy close to the season, but I think they have it in them to at least kind of go three and three or even four and two and get into the postseason. Yeah, it’s a great point. I mean, I watched that Bills Texans game. You know, Thursday night football brings weird results for sure, but that that defense looked mean. That defense looked fast. That defense looked hungry for that Texans team. And like we saw it, right? Like it’s not like you have to to tell Chargers fans how good that defense is. It’s like they lived it. But I do want to go back to what we were talking about about, you know, the three different buckets, right? First of all, with the schedule that it comes ahead, like this is a must-win game this weekend. like you you can’t afford to drop this one and realistically think you’re going to beat the teams necessary to go and make a playoff run, right? Yeah. Yeah. But I think there’s something to this because you also said, “Okay, hey, then you kind of reset. You’re eight and four. You go from there and you figure out how to beat these teams and then you decide to, you know, figure out if you can do some damage once you get there.” One of the things we talked about is the nice thing kind of about the Chargers being pushed up and pushed back into a corner a little bit even at seven and four and hopefully eight and four is like I know it’s hard to believe right now that their ceiling is getting to the playoffs and that maybe they can’t win a playoff game this year but I think what this brutal stretch of games because I think even the Cowboys offense is going to present problems for them, right? Because the good offenses have for Jesse Mentor’s defense. The good thing is, Chris, is like it feels to me, and I’m wondering if you feel the same way, like if they do what it takes to go make the playoffs this year, they’re going to have to have proven basically that they have a chance to win once they get there because it means that they’re going to have to go up against that Texans defense and get a win or beat the Philadelphia Eagles on a Monday night football game or go to Arrowhead and win that game. Do you do you kind of agree with that logic? Because I do think people feel like, well, is it even worth making the playoffs if you’re just going to lose when you get there? But to me, it’s like, man, if you’re making the playoffs, even sitting at seven and four right now, like you’re going to have to beat some really good playoff caliber teams. We have more to get into with Chris Hayy, including why he believes the Chargers could win a playoff game if they beat the requisite teams to make it to the dance and more on today’s Locked Down Chargers podcast. First, I need to tell you guys about FanDuel because the NBA is back and there’s no better place to get in on the action than FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. Even if you miss the start of a game or you want to ride the hot hand, FanDuel has live bets on everything from who will score next to fourth quarter comebacks. Plus, you can even combine your live bets into a same game parlay for a shot at a bigger payout. It keeps every game exciting, especially when your team’s making that late push. The odds are out now for the Chargers upcoming game against the Raiders at Sofi. And we know how bad the Raiders are. The Chargers are currently nine and a half point favorites. It can’t be under stated how important this game is. Like the Chargers have, and this might not be the only must-win game they’re going to face during these last six games to make it to the playoffs, but make no mistake about it, this is a must-win game, and the Chargers better win by at least nine and a half points. So, you can bet on that and so much more at FanDuel because if they don’t, they can probably kiss their playoff chances goodbye. But right now, FanDuel is giving new customers $300 in bonus bets when your first $5 bet wins. So, head to fanduel.com to sign up and play your game with FanDuel, the official sports betting partner of the NBA. It’s a great point. And you look at the schedule last year, you win 11 games, but look look at the teams and the quarterbacks that you beat versus versus this year already. I mean, you it goes without saying the first three weeks, but like they they’ve had some big wins um during this stretch of the season that’s been really tough. And I agree with you. I I think that if you get to the postseason, that means that you’ve beaten some really good teams down the stretch, too, to get there. And why not? Like I I maybe it was a little bit of fool’s gold at the end of last year. I remember being in New England when um they took care of the Patriots and they looked like they were really humming going into the postseason. Um beat the Raiders in week 18. You get the match up you think you won against the Houston Texans and then it was just it was just a nightmare. Plays that could have gone uh the Chargers way that maybe would have changed the complexion of that game. But I think uh it was a little bit of fool’s gold. I think this year we we’ve seen the Chargers kind of gut out wins. Um they, you know, I just go to the beginning of the year, the way they gutted that one out against uh Kansas City in Brazil and then just the ridiculous uh pitch and catch from Justin to Keenan to to to beat the Broncos and Cameron Dicker with the game winner that they haven’t lost since that game. Um and I just look at the AFC this year, guys, like who who scares you? Like who like in all three level or all three units, like which team in the AFC scares you? I I can’t say there’s one team that stands out as like this big bad wolf of the AFC. I just don’t see it like I I think New England’s had a really nice year. I think they’re very young. Um the the Bills have been up and down. I would still probably put the Bills as the class of the AFC right now, even if they’re seven and four. Um I think the Texans have a Super Bowl defense and and a mediocre offense. And um I just I go down like we saw what the Steelers are. You saw kind of what the Chiefs are. I think the Chiefs are beatable. Um, and the Broncos, say what you want. Again, another Super Bowl caliber defense, but I just don’t know if I trust that offense in January. So, um, why not, right? Like, yeah, why not close the season the right way, get in the postseason, and see what happens? Because you’ve already taken down some of these teams that are like considered um contenders in the AFC. And I think, you know, I think we’d be singing a different tune right now if number 76 is playing left tackle. Like I I would I would maybe put the Chargers in that conversation as like maybe the team to beat in the AFC. I’m not even kidding. It’s like that that injury like the Slater one was a crushing blow to have both of those guys, man. I I give I give the Chargers offense um a lot of credit for for kind of hanging in because there there was really no playbook to lose both tackles. And again, there’s a lot that could be said about the offensive line and things that maybe could have been done in the offseason that that weren’t done, but um again, there’s no there’s no playbook for losing like the the best tackle tandem in football and still be in football games. And now they just have to kind of scheme around that and and figure out a way to get in the postseason. All all these teams have injuries, some more than others. Um, some have already crushed team seasons like Cincinnati and and Washington come to mind, but um, Chargers are still in it because they have a franchise quarterback. They have a coach that knows how to win and I I think they have a defense that can do some damage. All you need is a ticket to the dance, right? And then after that, you got to see what happens. Uh, but you got to get there first. But I know one of the reasons for hope is that Omaran Hampton will return to the lineup this year when he returns from injured reserve. Do you think there’s a chance we see him this week? And what do you think he brings back to this offense once he returns? Well, I’m very intrigued to hear Coach Harbaugh at the podium this week to see um if we will see him Sunday. Uh yeah, I I I think that the Chargers should be able to beat the Raiders without Amarian Hampton. But I I think getting him in the folding, maybe getting him in the mix and at least a few touches if he’s able, that would be great ahead of going to uh the Chiefs in two weeks and then, you know, a Monday Night Football game at at home sandwiched in between. So, listen, I think Amarian Hampton is is going to make the offensive line look better. He’s going to uh help with time of possession. Like that was the one thing that that just was crushing for the Chargers uh a couple Sundays ago is they were they were dominating time of possession um the the previous three games like 39 minutes, 37 minutes, 35 minutes. They held the ball for 22 minutes. Uh they could get nothing going and I I give Kimmani Videl a lot of credit for holding it down. Um but I think Amarian Hampton is just gonna be able to bring this offense to another level. We we saw that small sample size with what he did in in New York and almost single-handedly winning that game for the Chargers in a game that, you know, they made mistake after mistake, 14 penalties. Um, I think that Hampton can really be a uh a differentiator for the Chargers in December. And I I am very intrigued to see if he can come back on Sunday and what he looks like. And I think having enough time off to, you know, I the ankle I don’t know about you guys, when I saw the ankle injury, I didn’t think he’d be out for I didn’t think it’d be an IR situation, but but here we are. Um, and again, like what what do you just watching the game, but sure, but he got tripped though, right? Like it wasn’t like he got you didn’t see the ankle get totally folded under up underneath him or anything like that. Like even comparatively to Jo, right? Like both the times he hurt his ankle was like, “Oh man.” You know, he’s like off the field. guys, this guy’s trucking just he’s so physical, too. It’s just like that. You just feel like a a guy who’s as durable as he was at North Carolina is going to get right back up. But, um I I do think that he’s a secret weapon. I I really do. And I I’m I’m intrigued to see what he looks like in December for sure. And I I hope we do see him against the Raiders. Yeah, I do too. I mean, even if you know, like obviously they’re not in the they don’t have the luxury of being able to be like, “Okay, well, we can rest him one more week if he’s ready, right? If he’s ready, he’s got to be out there.” Like these are just all, you know, every game is so important at this point, even with what their record is, especially because of the convoluted nature of the AFC playoff race, right? Like this is a must-win game, but yeah, you don’t want to overexert him if you don’t have to. I mean, man, if you can make the Raiders look like they have for most of the season, like you shouldn’t need him to be playing, you know, in if he’s ready, it’s like there’s no reason not to put him out there. Yeah. Sure. And like I think, you know, obviously we’ve all just been trying to read the tea leaves and it’s like, oh, hey, well, at least in this game he doesn’t have a walking boot, right? like maybe that means he’s coming back. And I think there is just this kind of uh feeling of like man I really can’t wait to hear what Jim Harbaugh says because unlike some other news it feels like when guys windows get opened it’s from Jim Harbaugh’s mouth himself and I think that’s really a testament to kind of the closed lip nature of this organization and kind of the tight ship that they’re running there. But like yeah Kamani Vidal so impressive like has shown that he can be back in this league. Like that is so cool for that dude to get cut this year and to be able to be like no I I am a player who can play at this level and I think he’s done exceptionally well especially considering the blocking that’s in front of him. But I mean me and David talked about Amarian Hampton like the dude has 22 missed tackles forced in 66 carries. He’s breaking a tackle every three carries where you have Bjon at like 3.3 and Jonathan Taylor 3.9. Same with Jir Gibbs. Well, Marian Hampton underrated, really, really good so far this year. And it sucks that they spoiled kind of his blowout game in that Giants loss because he was fantastic in it. And also, he kind of showed that he could be the engine of an offense. I mean, we’re talking about a dude before the injury, we had 130 yards from scrimmage and back-to-back games before he ended up getting hurt. But we have more great stuff to get into with Chris Hary, including the unsung hero he thinks this team has and also exactly what they need to do to make the playoffs in 2025 and more on today’s Lockown Chargers podcast. Today’s show is brought to you by our friends over there at Pelaton. Look folks, it’s time to break through the busiest time of the year with a brand new Pelaton crossraining tread plus that’s powered by Pelaton IQ. It’s Pelaton’s most elevated technology and equipment yet that gives you real-time guidance and it gives you endless ways to move. 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It’s the reason, you know, that they’re not they don’t only have two losses, right? We all know that and like it’s been only magnified by the major injuries that they have. But the one thing that the Chargers did exceptionally well, and it’d be really hard hard to argue against was replenishing the offensive weapons in this arsenal, right? Amarian Hampton, Trey Harris, Aronda Gadston II, all those dudes making really significant contributions in their rookie seasons. How impressed are you with this year’s rookie class and Joe Hortiz kind of restocking the cabinet with some young, cheap, explosive options that this team will have going forward? They’ve been awesome. I you know like Joe I think I joked in the offseason uh that uh you know guys like Cam Hart and Tarhee still pair of fifth round picks turn into starting quarterbacks. Uh we were talking about Aronda Gatson in uh training camp and I was like if Gatson pops another fifth rounder like we I think it was like the leadup to the Hall of Fame. I was like, they should put Joe Ortiz in Canton if he gets another fifth round home run. And sure enough, he has with the Randy Gatsson. Man, he has been he’s been uh incredible. And I knew it was just a matter of time before he saw the field. Like you saw the flashes in OTAAS in training camp and obviously in in in the preseason, you brought Tyler Conklin in as kind of a veteran presence and you know, Will Dley was already in the fold. Um but to see Aronda kind of take that job and now he has not letting go of it, it’s it’s it’s his for sure. He’s the future in that tight end’s room. It’s been really kind of refreshing to see a young guy like that just uh catch on so quickly, learn from mistakes. I I know that he had that fumble in Miami and just bounce back right away. And um just the games that he he had at Sofi following it’s just it’s been really cool to see him. Um, Trey Harris is a guy I I I love his story as maybe even more because he’s not getting the targets, but he’s doing all the dirty work to stay on the field, the blocking. He’s doing everything in his power just to play football and play meaningful reps, and he’s delivering in the reps that he’s getting. He’s he’s making tough catches. Um, but just to see how willing of a blocker he’s been um to go with Keenan and Lad and Quinton. Um, it’s a really complete room and you know, I know that Lad and Quinton were in that Houston game, but outside of that, man, it was there was not much going on in that game. A lot of, uh, quick passes to Tucker Fisk and Will Dley, and that’s just not what we’re seeing this year. Um, I I honestly I’d like to see more Quinton. Uh, I think that they’ve gotten gotten away from Quinton a little bit and I know there’s a lot of mouths to feed in that room, but um I just think Quinton’s athleticism, especially if you got to get the ball out of your hand quickly um maybe kind of get him in space. Uh but yeah, to have a security blanket I think is a big deal. And I wonder if that Jacksonville game kind of recalibrates the thinking of Greg Roman and company as to like what they may have to do moving forward either across the offensive line or just game plan wise um and how how you integrate a Marian Hampton back and how you can be a a fully functioning offense despite having um some issues at the offensive line position. I I I am very intrigued to see what that’s going to look like as well. like what what are these last six weeks uh going to show us about this Chargers offense? Who are they? Um how can they um adjust to some of the uh adversity that they’ve had across the line and how can some of these playmakers um maybe be used in different ways to to make this team successful? Yeah, for sure. I mean, that’s going to be the the the greatest questions, right? is how do they utilize this by week to try to fix these problems that they’re going to have to solve down the stretch against some very very difficult teams. But we all know how good players like Justin Herbrook, Khil Mack, and Doran James are. But the Chargers have gotten contributions up and down the roster through 11 games. Who is someone that might not be a household name that you think has kind of been an unsung hero for the Chargers this year? Well, he may be one now. I mean, the way Adaf just burst onto the scene since he became an LA Charger. Um, I think he had four sacks in four games. And just to see a guy, it’s it’s not easy. I I don’t care what position you play. It’s not easy to to be a Baltimore Raven then get put on a plane to Los Angeles and all of a sudden have to learn new teammates and um a new scheme, even though there’s similarities and just a whole new city. And for him to kind of come in, get that sack right away in Miami, get a couple in Tennessee, and just kind of be that almost missing link in the edge room. Like clearly you missed Joey Bosa at the beginning of the year, right? That you had that rotation with him and Mack and Tulie and they just weren’t able to to get much production outside of Tuli when Mack was out. So now that Khalil’s back, I I just think that that Adaflohi trade was a win-win on on both sides. I like I love Alohi and I I wish that uh he he was still here, but I understand why they made the move and you know, even a guy like R.J. Mickens, like there’s a reason why you felt comfortable parting ways with Alohi because you know R.J. was was coming on and you know, a couple of picks in a in two prime time games. So those would probably be two like you you go from, you know, we talk about some of these other rookies. How about R.J. Mickens, a sixth round pick who’s playing meaningful snaps in the secondary for a team that’s about to be eight and four. So um I I would say those guys on on defense for sure, Adaf and and RJ Mickens. Yeah. Well, that the funny thing about that, Chris, is I’m glad you brought up R.J. Mickens because I was like, man, yeah, think about the guy who’s taking the place of Aloe Gilman, right? R.J. Mickens has been awesome and like maybe we take for granted these late round picks in the secondary being able to do what they have been able to do. and also maybe take for granted how good that Joe Hortiz has been putting this secondary together because when you think about it man the only picks he spent right two fifth round picks Cam Hart Tarheep still RJ Mickens a sixth round pick and then you know you have like bargain kind of contracts with Christian Fulton and and this year with Dante Jackson who has been otherworldly like that’s been incredible and shout out to Steve Clinkcale as well right who also deserves his flowers when you’re having that conversation but when they traded for Adaf I like the player I like the trade immediately. It’s like, hey, we couldn’t have figured out a different round pick maybe to send him. Like, you know what I mean? Cuz cuz Joe Or has been so good with those fifth round picks. It makes it that much harder to see one go. But we’ll get you out on this, man. I mean, I know that like obviously there’s been a lot and like that’s happened to get the Chargers to this point and we I love the pass rush and that specific trio and I think obviously the run defense has to get a lot better for us to see them right more and for them to be more effective. But like when you’re trying to boil it down to this kind of inconsistent team who’s won three games by double digits and has also lost three games by 14 or more, what do you think they have to get figured out during this by-week down the stretch to to make the playoffs and have the run that we need them to make? Well, I I I agree with you. I think stopping the run uh been a big problem all year. Um that Miami game comes to mind. Uh the Washington game comes to mind with Krosky Merritt game running rampid. Then then you thought they kind of figured some things out and then I think Jacksonville rushed for 192 yards if I’m not mistaken. That’s what it was. Like Yeah. So the run defense is gonna have to shore up. Yeah. It’s it’s that that’s something that just you can’t allow big plays to guys like Saquon Barkley and Ashton Genty and um who knows who the Chiefs are going to roll out. Kareem Hunt, I know they just picked up Pierce as well. Um so I I I mean and if you get to January, you’re gonna have to stop the run. There’s no question about it. And then, you know, it goes without saying the offensive line. I I would be uh interested to see if they maybe make up some or maybe make a lineup change to some of these positions. I don’t know. Maybe he puts Sawyer at left tackle. Um I don’t know if Andre James will get ever get a shot this year. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t. I don’t know. Um again, I say that the coaches know more than than than you or I, right? And they’re they’re comfortable with their group. But I just think that at this point you don’t have much to lose by maybe kind of tinkering a little bit and kind of finding that right group um throughout the the final six games of the year. Now I don’t know. I honestly I don’t have the answer. Like Trevor Penning just got here, right? He just got here. Um Sawyer we’ve seen I I do remember when in 21 when Slater went down how serviceable he was at left tackle. So, I wouldn’t mind maybe seeing him there for a game and seeing how that goes. Um, you know, it’s it’s funny to say, but like Bobby Hart Bobby Hart played pretty good in the the few games that he’s played for the Chargers. Uh, so I do think the it kind of starts on on both lines, man. Starts in the trenches. If you’re going to win football games in January, you’re going to have to have stout uh defensive and offensive lines. Uh, so starting there, you have the franchise quarterback, you have the weapons. Um hopefully you have the running game with Hampton and and Videll kind of spelling him. Um special teams I I have a lot of faith in Ryan Fick and I know it’s been kind of up and down this year. Um you have the best kicker in football. So just show us what you got man the last six weeks. Show us what you got across the defensive line and offensive line because if if those guys play pretty good football, serviceable football, I think this team has a real shot. I think they do too. But thank you so much, Chris, for joining the show today. Again, you can find him at Chris Hayy on Twitter. He’s the host of the Chargers weekly podcast, the best Chargers content you’re going to find with him and also sports in ancient reporter for CBS Sports Los Angeles. Thank you so much for your time, man. Can’t wait to get you back on again soon. My guys, appreciate you very much. Enjoy it. Another special thank you to Chris Hayyrie for making some time for us. That man has a busy schedule and we appreciate him coming on and giving us the time he did today. You don’t find many 30 25 minute interviews out there that most people are willing to do on these shows. So, we really appreciate his time and his insight and I definitely feel a lot better about the Chargers situation. Uh, but that is going to wrap things up for today’s show. This schedule is going to be a little bit different this week because of Thanksgiving coming up on Thursday. We will have a Thanksgiving show for you guys that comes out on Thursday because it’s Crossover Thursday and Crossover Thursday does not stop for any turkey. I will tell you that right now. But we will be off on Friday so we can enjoy Thanksgiving with our families. But what that means is it means tomorrow is the keys for success including getting Justin Herbert back on track. But what it also means is that we’re going to open up for fan bold prediction. So make sure you guys hit us up at lockdownlac on Twitter on Instagram and our Lockdown Chargers Facebook page so that you guys can be featured on the bold prediction so and maybe make some magic and have something come true. And we also post the show to all those places as well. Or you can call to the voicemail line at 323-5247924 and give us your 302 Chargers voicemail there. But thank you guys as always for making us your first listen. If you need a second listen, make sure to check out the lockdown NFL show so you can keep up with everything going on around the week cuz there’s two shows a day with Tyler the madman rolling and Tony Wiggins in the barber shop on YouTube and wherever you get your podcast from. Make sure as always you are following and subscribing to the Locked On Chargers YouTube channel and listening wherever you get your podcast from so you never miss big episodes like the one we have today. Chargers need to get Justin Herbert back on track. We’ll be talking about it tomorrow on the keys for success in a must-win game against the Raiders. But until then guys, take it easy and go Bolts.

Chargers fans, this episode is packed with analysis, optimism, and insider perspective! Join hosts Daniel Wade and David Droegemeier as they welcome special guest Chris Hayre, host of Chargers Weekly and CBS Los Angeles sports anchor, for an in-depth discussion on the state of the Los Angeles Chargers after their tough loss to the Jaguars.

We dig into why there’s still hope for the 2025 season, the impact of key injuries, and what it will take for the Bolts to make a playoff push. Hear Chris Hayre break down how leaders like Khalil Mack and the return of Omarion Hampton can spark the team, plus why the rookie class might be the secret weapon for the playoff race.

Other topics include the must-win game against the Raiders, how Jim Harbaugh’s coaching decisions and bye week strategies could reset the season, and who’s emerged as the unsung hero on defense. We talk about matchup implications, AFC playoff scenarios, and what needs to change on both sides of the ball.

Don’t miss expert insights, candid takes, and tactical predictions for the Chargers as the schedule heats up. Whether you’re looking for hope after a blowout or want to get ahead on the keys for a successful season, this episode has everything you need to stay updated on all things Chargers!

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