The significance of Thursday’s game was well appreciated by the Chargers. Given how close the AFC playoff race was, they realized they couldn’t afford to lose three games in a row. Because of the postseason implications for both teams, the AFC West rematch versus the Denver Broncos was rescheduled for prime-time television.
Jim Harbaugh realized how significant the occasion felt as he stood on the sidelines between Derwin James Jr. and Justin Herbert in SoFi Stadium with the lights out. The Chargers coach then instructed the two most dependable players on the club to just have fun.
Coach, it’s like pickup basketball,” Herbert said.
Harbaugh knew the Chargers were in capable hands at that precise moment.
Batteries
Chargers rally in second half to overcome Broncos, improve AFC playoff seed
After falling behind the Broncos by 11 points in the second half, the Chargers rallied for 21 points in a row to defeat them and go up to the top of the AFC West and playoff rankings.
The Chargers are on the verge of making their first postseason berth since 2022 after the quarterback recovered from an uncharacteristic interception in the second quarter to lead the club to a 34-27 victory Thursday. The Chargers (9-6) outscored their division opponents 21-6 in the second half behind to two touchdowns from Herbert, who finished with 284 passing yards and 28 rushing yards.
Herbert remarked, “I think it’s just an opportunity to go out there and play.” Having these strong lighting is what we’ve always wanted, especially for a playoff-style game like Thursday Night Football. I believe that we are at our finest when we are playing loose, free, fearless, and simply going out there to play ball and do what we do.
We took away four lessons from the victory:
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