CHARGERS WILL TRY TO WIN FOR THE GIFFORD

Safety Derwin James Jr. wore an unusually dour expression recently as he rehashed a few critical plays from the Chargers’ most recent game, another frustrating defeat.

His demeanor brightened considerably when one name was mentioned and the subject was changed, though.

Outside linebacker Khalil Mack’s mood lifted, too, when the same name was brought up and the tone of questioning was altered. He grew more animated, more upbeat within only a few seconds the other day. A broad smile suddenly appeared on his face as he spoke to reporters.

Gifford “Giff ” Smith has that effect on the Chargers.

“I like Giff out there,” James said. “He has a lot of confidence. We’re ready to play. He’s a great leader. Expectations are high when he’s out there. Straightforward. He’s not trying to be one way or be your friend. He’s straightforward with who he is. I think a lot of guys gravitate towards that.”

Winning a game for him would please the Chargers, who have two chances left to get it done for Smith, their interim coach, after Brandon Staley was fired Dec. 15. The Chargers lost to the Buffalo Bills in their first shot at winning for him Dec. 23. Their next chance is today against the Broncos in Denver.

If that fails, their final chance is in the final weekend of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sofi Stadium. The Chargers have plenty of motivation to win one for Smith, a longtime coach of their defensive linemen and linebackers who was given his dream job at the tail end of a nightmare season.

“Giff is a special guy,” Mack said. “It’s special to see him in a position like that (as a head coach), but understanding that he carried himself like that as a position coach. I say that all the time, but I really do mean it. He’s just honest, forthright. That’s all you want playing this game, just a lot of honesty.

“That’s all you can ask for at this moment, at this time of the year.”

At this point, winning for Smith would make the Chargers’ season. The Chargers are 5-10 going into today’s

game and were eliminated from the AFC playoff race with a 24-22 loss to the Bills. Their coach, along with general manager Tom Telesco and defensive line coach Jay Rodgers were fired two weeks ago.

One of their team captains, defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-day, was released abruptly one week after the firings, opening the likelihood of further roster upheaval once the season ends and a new coach and general manager are hired to replace Staley and Telesco.

Only a liar or a fool would claim to know what comes next for the Chargers, who have lost six of seven games going into today’s game against the Broncos. With two games to go, the Chargers have rallied around Smith. The edginess that seemed to envelop the team has dissipated.

Smith has eased the tension with a smile and an easy-going demeanor. He lifted the Chargers’ spirits for their game against the Bills. They played one of their better games of the season despite going without quarterback Justin Herbert and top wide receiver Keenan Allen because of injuries.

Smith acknowledged learning on the job, though. He admitted he forgot to switch his headset from defense to offense for the first play of their first possession against the Bills. He caught up on the second play, though, and there were a few other learning experiences along the way, too.

In hindsight, he said he believed it was the right call to kick a short field goal after quarterback Easton Stick drove the Chargers to the Bills’ 2-yard line on their opening possession.

The drive had gone so well, there was no reason they should go for it on fourth down and risk coming up empty.

The Chargers’ next step is winning one for Smith.

“It would be super dope,” Mack said. “It would be a super dope experience.”