Coming off back-to-back seasons without reaching the playoffs, the Chargers feel as though they have lost respect around the NFL. "We have lost our respect in the league and our credibility in the league," A.J. Smith told Peter King of Sports Illustrated. "We were an elite team. You miss one year in the playoffs? OK. You miss two? You deserve everything that's being said about you." Smith's players don't disagree with his blunt assessment. When told of the comments, center Nick Hardwick said, "Amen." Antonio Gates called it a truth that's "not acceptable, not negotiable."