For Pete's Sake

Ex-Chargers running back Darren Sproles says LA won’t win West without making a change

Nov 20, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley (center) talks with quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and quarterback Chase Daniel (4) in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley (center) talks with quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and quarterback Chase Daniel (4) in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports USA TODAY Sports

Summer is a time for ice cream, swimming pools and NFL pundits picking the Chargers to win the AFC West.

At least that’s the way it’s been the past few years, as many observers have expected the Chiefs’ reign atop the division to end.

Kay Adams mentioned that Tuesday on her “Up & Adams” show, telling former Chargers/Eagles star Darren Sproles she believes LA could win the West.

But Sproles, the former Olathe North High School and Kansas State star, doesn’t agree.

“No,” Sproles said matter of factly, “they’re not going to win the West.”

Adams asked why Sproles doesn’t have faith in the Chargers.

“I just feel like they just can’t get over the hump,” he said.

Again, Adams asked why Sproles thought that was the case.

“I think it’s time for a new coach,” Sproles responded. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is set to start his third season with the franchise. Sproles believes Staley is holding the team back.

“Sometimes like with him, the way he’s calling the plays,” Sproles said, “it’s like he’s playing Madden or something like that.”

Sproles isn’t completely down on the Chargers, who were a Wild Card team last season. He believes LA quarterback Justin Herbert is a great player.

Here’s the conversation with Sproles.

This story was originally published August 30, 2023 at 8:59 AM.

Pete Grathoff
The Kansas City Star
From covering the World Series to the World Cup, Pete Grathoff has done a little bit of everything since joining The Kansas City Star in 1997.
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