INGLEWOOD — Chargers coach Brandon Staley routinely runs the stairs at SoFi Stadium three hours before kickoff on game days. On Sunday, the first-time head coach settled on the lower level behind the Cleveland Browns’ sideline to exercise across empty seats.
Three hours later, those seats were filled with familiar colors to Staley, a native of Northeast Ohio. Among the screaming Browns fans were about 20 friends and relatives of Staley.
Staley has jogged the section stairs of SoFi Stadium for 13 games the past two seasons, but Sunday was the first time many of Staley’s loved ones made the trip to see him coach at the massive venue. Many were unable to attend last season when Staley was the defensive coordinator of the Rams because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Football is king there,” Staley said about growing up in Perry, Ohio, and rooting for the Browns. “I think there are some good storylines there, for sure — growing up a Browns fan and all of the family and friends that will be at the game. There will be a healthy amount. It’s always a special deal.”
Staley said it was just another game for him to coach against his childhood team. But Staley’s group of loved ones probably had some mixed emotions — similar to Chargers running back Austin Ekeler scoring the game-winning touchdown when he wasn’t supposed to. The Chargers won a thrilling shootout 47-42 to improve to 4-1 on the season.
The beloved Browns, however, weren’t the priority Sunday. Staley’s guests have become Chargers fans first, like so many others back home in Perry, Ohio.
Staley has also gained plenty of fans in Southern California with his winning ways through five weeks. Perhaps for the first time in a long time, the Chargers had the edge in the stands, but not by a lot.
The brown and orange jerseys were noticeable. But at least Staley’s group was on the powder blue side.
“To be able to do that in front of our home crowd, hopefully that draws even more in the next game,” Staley said about the crowd environment. “We’re proud of our fans and we look forward to seeing a lot more powder blue as the season goes on.”
UPDATE ON ABOUSHI
The Chargers played most of Sunday’s game without right guard Oday Aboushi, who sustained a knee injury in the first quarter.
There’s concern that Aboushi tore his ACL based on the initial exam, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Michael Schofield replaced Aboushi at right guard. The Chargers are also down their starting right tackle because Bryan Bulaga is on injured reserve with a back injury.
Storm Norton and Schofield could be the Chargers’ starting right side for the foreseeable future.
HERBERT MILESTONE
Justin Herbert’s career-high 398 passing yards earned him another career milestone.
Herbert has 11 games with 300-plus passing yards, making him the first NFL player to reach that mark in the first two seasons to start a career.
Herbert surpassed Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Hall-of-Fame quarterback Dan Marino. Both had 10 games of 300-plus passing yards in their first two seasons.
Another milestone for Justin Herbert #Chargers pic.twitter.com/rpKTIf2ivu
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) October 11, 2021