The Sports Xchange

SAN DIEGO — A must-win game?

Of course not.

A must-have game?

Bingo.

The San Diego Chargers, looking to spring from the mat after two disheartening losses, play the visiting Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Desperate is a good word for the Chargers as the good ol’ days of being 1-0 have been washed away by getting pushed around in two straight losses.

Add numerous injuries suffered in those defeats, and it’s crucial that the Chargers treat Sunday’s game with the urgency it requires.

The Browns should be in a sour mood as well. They match the Chargers at 1-2 and are coming off a loss, too.

But not much was expected from the Browns, as they still try to settle their quarterback situation.

Much was expected of the Chargers, but year three of coach Mike McCoy’s stint as a head coach at any level, hasn’t gone so swell.

“There’s no excuses here,” McCoy said.

No kidding.

Instead, just facts and few line up in the Chargers’ favor.

The running game that was supposed to take pressure off quarterback Philip Rivers is absent. The have but two rushing touchdowns and none from Melvin Gordon.

The offensive line, which was to open lanes for that running game — and protect Rivers — is missing. Injuries are such that finding five starters for Sunday is a challenge.

A defense shows cleat marks from being unable to stop any rushing attacks, giving up 106 yards per game.

The pass-rushers show one more sack than they had before the season started.

It’s go time, all right.

Lose to the Browns at Qualcomm Stadium and what could be the Chargers last season in San Diego might start circling the drain. The difference between 2-2 and 1-3 is more than just a single number.

The Chargers are hoping to win and then they get an extra day to prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh could be without Ben Roethlisberger, possibly helping the Chargers get on a two-game roll with another victory on Monday Night Football.

But first up are the Browns, and the way the Chargers are playing, it’s clear they can’t take any opponent lightly.

There are no must-wins in October’s first week. But the Chargers are at a critical juncture in a season which hasn’t gone as planned.

“We’ll be fine, we really will,” Rivers said. “We’ve just got to find out a way to get win No. 2.”

But a must-win?

“I don’t believe in those unless you are truly going to be eliminated,” Rivers said.

But it’s no lie to underscore the significance of Sunday’s game.

“We’ve done enough good, but we just have to stick with it,” Rivers said.