Four straight wins, playoff berth secured. Now the Chargers must seize control of their destiny and finish strong.
The Los Angeles Chargers have had quite the week. They’ve now won four straight games after defeating the Dallas Cowboys this past Sunday, officially clinched a playoff berth with the Colts’ loss to San Francisco on Monday Night Football, taken control of their path to an AFC West title after Denver fell to Jacksonville and had five players selected to the Pro Bowl. Congratulations to Cameron Dicker, Justin Herbert, Joe Alt, Derwin James and Tuli Tuipulotu on their selections. Congratulations as well to Khalil Mack, Scott Matlock, Donte Jackson and Del’Shawn Phillips on being named alternates.
All in all, it was an incredible week for the Chargers and their fans.
That said, the time for celebration and reflection is over.
As previously stated, the Chargers now completely control their own destiny in the AFC West after it felt like Denver would be running away with the division for most of the season. Getting to 13 wins could also put the Chargers in position to earn the second seed in the conference, assuming New England locks up the top spot and doesn’t completely botch games against the Jets and Dolphins, two teams that appear to have checked out.
This team has been playing true Jim Harbaugh football since the bye week and since the embarrassment in Jacksonville, a loss that looks a bit less disastrous now given how the Chargers have responded. If there was ever a moment to fully understand why Jim Harbaugh was brought in to lead this organization, it’s over the next two weeks.
The Chargers are still mismatched in areas. They’re dealing with offensive line injuries, Justin Herbert’s broken hand is still healing and they’re set to face what look like two of the best defensive lines in football to close out the season. But none of that matters anymore. This team has shown it can win in different ways. They’ve earned the right to be here and now they have to finish the job.
No one is handing out participation trophies for coming close.
The Chargers played themselves into the division race with their best football when it mattered most. Denver lost its grip on the AFC West this past Sunday and Los Angeles has to seize that opportunity. Earn the home playoff game. Take the division instead of hoping it falls into your lap.
Justin Herbert is coming off arguably his best performance of the season and continues to get healthier. The defense looks excellent after shutting down a talented Cowboys offense. Omarion Hampton is getting back up to speed after his absence. The pieces are there.
Now go take it.
It continues Saturday in Houston. Show the league that the powder blues are real and that this team will punch you in the mouth any given week. The Chargers have been the laughing stock of the NFL for far too long. This is where they have the chance to flip the script for good.