The Los Angeles Chargers have struggled in the past to come through in key moments and show resilience, but that has changed in coach Jim Harbaugh’s first year with the team.
On Sunday night, the Chargers gave up a 21-point lead in the third quarter but managed to make big plays in the final minutes to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-27.
“The worm turned. Like I said, coach Harbaugh coming in and installing the culture, (defensive coordinator Jesse) Minter, and then the guys taking it upon themselves to do their part of the puzzle. And I feel like we’re doing that,” said safety Derwin James.
Being able to respond with a strong finish after losing a big lead is something the Chargers had struggled with during the last year of Anthony Lynn’s coaching and throughout Brandon Staley’s almost three seasons as head coach.
From 2020 to 2023, Los Angeles lost eight games where they had a lead of 10 points or more. Their .704 winning percentage during that stretch, when they had a double-digit lead, was the fourth-worst in the NFL.
“I’ve just been having this feeling really since the beginning back in April, May and June, that we’ve got the right guys at the right time and that’s all a coach can ask for. Just keep building,” Harbaugh said.
Quarterback Justin Herbert had a rough stretch, completing only 2 of 12 passes during five drives, but he bounced back, connecting with Ladd McConkey for two big completions of 28 and 27 yards on the drive that gave the Chargers the lead.
Running back J.K. Dobbins, who had been held mostly in check until then, added a 29-yard touchdown run along the left sideline.
The Chargers’ defense allowed 191 yards on three straight touchdown drives by the Bengals, but they stepped up with two key third-down stops in the fourth quarter. These stops helped force Bengals kicker Evan McPherson to miss two field goals.
“Just respond. Just because we lost the momentum didn’t mean they had it and we were going to get it back. The guys didn’t flinch, didn’t buckle, didn’t even stumble. They just kept right at it and responded,” Harbaugh said.
Harbaugh called the win a “signature win,” and it comes at a crucial time for the Chargers, who will host the Baltimore Ravens next Monday night. This will be the third time that brothers Jim and John Harbaugh will coach against each other.
After the Ravens game, the Chargers will play at Atlanta and then host Tampa Bay. With a 7-3 record, the Chargers have matched their best start since 2018 and currently hold the fifth seed in the AFC.
“When we got moments where we should win, we’re trying to hold it down and make sure we do that,” linebacker Daiyan Henley said. “And, I mean, like that’s what we prepare to do. That’s what we work for. So nothing’s guaranteed, but we’re working for it.”
