For 3 hours, Chargers will provide welcome diversion

In the big picture, it doesn’t really matter if the Chargers beat the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon.

What really matters is that the game will be played as scheduled at 1:05 p.m. at Qualcomm Stadium.

This will come just 49 hours after the stadium was officially closed as an evacuee center for the devastating fires this week in San Diego County.

At the very least, the game will serve as a three-hour diversion for all of the devastation that has occurred in the past week. It will help bond San Diegans as they spend their time Sunday afternoon pulling for the Chargers.

But even if the Chargers win the Super Bowl this season (which they won’t), they will not be able to bring the town together as the fires have.

Our hearts go out to the more than 500,000 people who were scared by being evacuated, and the more than 1,300 families who have been heartbroken by the loss of their home this week.

As much as politicians may be patting themselves on the back, the real heroes this week are the firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect the lives and homes of others. The next time an athlete holds out for $10 million, the shame will be that these firefighters are not the ones demanding those salaries. They deserve it!

This Sunday, let’s hope the Chargers honor those (as I’m sure they will) who put the interests of others in front of their own interests this week.

As for the Chargers, this will be a tough game. No matter what they say, football players are all about routine ... and this tragic situation in San Diego County has been more than just the typical "distraction" that football players try to avoid.

Don’t be surprised if the Chargers are out of rhythm this week ... but don’t be surprised if Qualcomm Stadium is as loud as it has ever been come Sunday.

Our heartfelt prayers go out to those who have been so affected by the fires.

May God bless you all!

Prediction:
Chargers 26, Texans 24