Chargers show they are ‘different team’ under Jim Harbaugh by surviving Bengals’ comeback

The Chargers got off to a hot start, scoring three first-half touchdowns and trailing at the end of the half at halftime, 24–6. They suffocated Joe Burrow and ripped apart a wanted Bengals D. It was a total beatdown.

Then the Bengals made their move, scoring 21 straight points to erase the lead with more than 12 minutes left. After both teams shuffled their feet — the Bengals options, and the Chargers struggling on offense — LA made the plays late to reverse the slide.

“Just because we lost momentum didn’t mean they had it,” Harbaugh said. “We’re going to get it back. Boys didn’t flinch, didn’t buckle, didn’t even trip. Just kept at it.”

Down the stretch, Herbert hit two pinpoint passes to Ladd McConkey, who spearheaded the late victory. The QB authored some exciting plays early, but had his own personal struggles in the second half before ripping off the big throws. He may not have the capacity LA needed in previous seasons, but his importance to the outcome of Chargers games is still critical.

“Start the MVP conversation. Love it. He’s a baller,” Dobbins said of his QB.

The LA defense allowed more than 20 points for the first time all season, but had stops outside the red zone that forced Cincy to settle for long field goal attempts and forced a late punt that led to the game-winning drive.

“I’ve been in this film a few times. I know what it looks like,” Harbaugh said. “There’s no other defense we’d rather have than our defense.”

The fourth straight win pushed the Chargers to 7-3 and into the No. 5 seed in the AFC. Finally, Harbaugh’s team is able to overcome their own miscues to get a win after many years, and they look ready for a January dance.