NFL Rumors: Can Norv Turner survive the season with the San Diego Chargers?

Fresh off a monumental collapse against the Denver Broncos last night, the calls have started once again for Chargers head coach Norv Turner to be fired. Can Turner survive the season? The San Diego Chargers fanbase has been clamoring for years for the firing of Norv Turner along with general manager, but each year they remain entrenched in their respective jobs. It might now seriously be time for a change in San Diego.

The Chargers entered this season once again with high expectations. The defense was supposed to be improved. This was supposed to be a career year for RB Ryan Mathews. QB Philip Rivers was supposed to rebound after a disappointing 2011 season. Instead, the defense is ranked 24th against the pass, Ryan Mathews has struggled to stay on the field once again and the turnovers continue to mount for Rivers once again.

Turner inherited a Chargers team that went 14-2 the year before he was hired. The Chargers were poised for a Super Bowl run, but the franchise never reached the big game. The Chargers always fell short and the club now has missed the playoffs in the last two seasons. After two consecutive second half collapses, the Chargers prospects for the playoffs appear slim.

Last evening’s historic comeback by the Peyton Manning led Denver Broncos has to be very demoralizing. These are the types of losses which can send a team into a tailspin. The Chargers were gutted by the Atlanta Falcons at home in week three and the Chargers three wins have come over the Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans and the Kansas City Chiefs, teams with a combined four wins.

San Diego held a 10-point second half lead over the previously winless New Orleans Saints, and then allowed 17 straight points. Last night, the Chargers built a 24-point lead over the Denver Broncos and then allowed 35 straight points to the Broncos, thanks in part to five second half turnovers by QB Philip Rivers. After six games, Rivers has thrown for 9 interceptions and recorded five fumbles.

It is clear that the Chargers need to make some serious changes and those changes should start with the firing of AJ Smith and Norv Turner. If no changes are made after this season, Chargers fans should start wondering whether or not the franchise ownership even cares any longer. A bad position to have while the team is trying to negotiate a deal for a new stadium.