By Kevin Acee

Saturday, November 17, 2012

DENVER — For the purpose of this reading, you must suspend the reality
that recent results have presented, the actuality that there is very
little chance the Chargers win Sunday.

The truth is we’ve been waiting too long already. Again and again,
waiting for that once, waiting for the Chargers to show us they have the
kind of mettle that finishes.

Atlanta. New Orleans. Denver. All confirmation of something we didn’t
want to admit – that the Chargers simply don’t have “it.”

We thought they’d shown us they possessed resilience in Missouri back in
September. Come to find out, though, the 2012 Kansas City Chiefs were
created for the sole purpose of allowing other teams to feel better
about themselves.

As it is, the Chargers have lost five straight games to teams not named
the Chiefs.

Now, in the thin air 5,280 feet above sea level, a fitting setting for a
hacking last gasp, the Chargers have one more chance.

Today’s game against the Denver Broncos represents a three-game
fluctuation in the standings and a potential seismic shift in momentum.

Put aside the above lamentation – that the Chargers have yet to show
that they can win a game like this – and consider the ramifications.

The Broncos win and they have a three-game lead in the standings that is
really four games because they will have swept the season series with
the Chargers. With six games to play and Denver still with Kansas City
on its schedule – twice – the Chargers will become an afterthought
earlier than they have in a decade.

But the Chargers win and not only do they go home just one-game down in
the AFC West but also still standing strong in the wild card race. And
perhaps just as important, they will have not only halted their tumble
but also slowed the Broncos’ ascension. They will have defied death in a
way we haven't seen in years.

There have been more definitive games at the end of seasons. But
pre-Thanksgiving there might never have been a bigger game for the Chargers.

Now, we interrupt this fantasy talk about possibilities to bring you a
dose of reality:

Those of you watching simply for the hope that a loss will bring a
Monday announcement that Norv Turner is no longer the head coach should
probably find something else to do on Sunday. Every indication is that
he isn’t going anywhere until the end of the season.

Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled playoff prospects.

That’s usually the focus this time of year, anyway.

Not since 2003 have the Chargers been out of contention before the
season’s final week. Hope may have been lost outside before Christmas
the past two seasons, but the Chargers were very much alive until
blowout losses at Cincinnati and Denver, respectively, in Week 16.

But if the Chargers lose Sunday, go ahead and let the apathy wash over
you. Turner being employed simply amounts to a stay of execution.

Yes, the Chargers have won three straight and five of their past six in
Denver. None of those teams had Peyton Manning as quarterback. None of
those teams had treated Philip Rivers like the Broncos have the past two
meetings between the teams, both in San Diego.

“I think that this is the best team that’s played up there in quite some
time and they’re one of the most complete teams when you look at them
defensively and the way they rank in all categories," Turner said.
"Offensively and the way that they’re performing, going out and scoring
points, we’re going to have to play our best game by far.”

What makes us think they can do that? And what does that really mean?
What, will they lead for 3½ quarters?

We’ll wait for one more game.