In their most recent public appearance, the Chargers’ defenders were ripped apart by a New England team bound for another Super Bowl triumph.
The Patriots amassed 347 yards and 35 points in the first half of what turned out to be a 41-28 divisional playoff round victory.
The process of recovering from that pounding began on the flight back from Foxborough, Mass., general manager Tom Telesco said a few days later, “It will take us a little time to get over this last game.”
The process of trying to assure that a similar performance doesn’t spoil the 2019 season will be accelerated this week with the opening of free agency.