Chargers Forced to Use Silent Count In Home Game Against Vikings

The team may have to do it again Sunday against the Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers offensive line and Minnesota Vikings defensive line lineup at the line of scrimmage on December 15, 2019, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers offensive line and Minnesota Vikings defensive line lineup at the line of scrimmage on December 15, 2019, at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the Los Angeles Chargers were forced to use a silent count in their home stadium during their Week 15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings because there were so many Vikings fans in attendance at the game.

Schefter cites sources who claim the team is concerned they could be in a similar situation on Sunday (Dec. 22) afternoon when they host the Raiders. As one source said, “L.A. is not a Chargers town.”

The Chargers reportedly also nearly resorted to using a silent count earlier this season when they played the Pittsburgh Steelers but ultimately avoided it in that game.

Earlier this year, it was reported that the team, which has struggled to draw fans in Los Angeles, “would listen” if the NFL wanted to relocate the franchise to London. “The Athletic has learned that NFL owners are concerned enough about the Chargers’ situation in L.A., where a crowded sports market and the presence of the more established Rams has resulted in a tepid embracement of the Chargers, that they would provide the necessary support for a relocation to London if the Chargers pursue it,” The Athletic’s Vincent Bonsignore wrote.

Owner Dean Spanos denied that the team has any interest in relocating, saying, “We’re not going to London. We’re not going anywhere.”

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