Chargers Coach Brandon Staley Says He Won’t Intentionally Play for Tie vs. Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders will not being deliberately tying Sunday to ensure both clubs make the postseason.

While Chargers head coach Brandon Staley admitted the concept was the type of hypothetical he and his college buddies would have loved, he promised on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday that his club will do everything they can to earn a win.

“That’s a pretty loaded scenario. That is an all-time coffee shop scenario,” Staley said. “I feel like I’m with my buddies at the University of Dayton. I think we all respect the game and the NFL shield and the integrity of this game far too much to be complicit in something like that. This game matters too much to too many people, and we want to play our best and be proud of the result one way or another. We’re going to do everything we can to go win this game, and play the way we’re capable of playing. I hope all the fans and everybody who loves the NFL will be proud of the game on Sunday.”

The scenario would only come into play if the Jacksonville Jaguars were to upset the Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Steelers were to defeat the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

The news is good from the Steelers’ perspective. The Chargers and Raiders could both secure a playoff spot in the event of a tie between the two, and Pittsburgh would be eliminated from playoff contention.

“What makes it so special is the competition,” Staley added. “And the level of integrity and respect that it stands for.”