This choice aligns perfectly with Harbaugh’s relentless drive to motivate and cultivate mental resilience within his squad as they celebrate their third consecutive victory, raising their record to 6-3. In the locker room, he played “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” for a couple of significant reasons. The date marked the 49th anniversary of the freighter’s tragic sinking in Lake Superior, which resulted in the loss of 29 crew members. Additionally, the themes within Lightfoot’s folk ballad served as inspiration that Harbaugh aimed to emphasize to his players.
As the Chargers prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals, they are about to embark on a challenging phase vital to securing a postseason spot. Harbaugh aspires for his squad to prove resilient during this demanding six-game stretch. “There’s some symbolism, but that’s just kind of for us,” Harbaugh commented about the choice of song by the celebrated Canadian singer-songwriter, who passed away last year at 84.
The Chargers’ upcoming schedule includes a matchup against quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals, followed by a high-profile Monday night game against the Ravens led by Lamar Jackson, who will face his brother John, Baltimore’s head coach. December will see them play away in Atlanta and Kansas City before hosting Tampa Bay and Denver at home.
“Those games reveal your competitive character, particularly from a mental perspective,” stated linebacker Khalil Mack. “It’s essential that we click on all cylinders, balancing the strength of their offense, highlighted by their quarterback. But we can’t lose sight of the present.”
The Chargers have thrived recently, with complementary gameplay being a crucial aspect of their success. Quarterback Justin Herbert, notable for seven consecutive games without an interception, has also achieved a passer rating of 90 or higher in each of the first nine games. This accomplishment situates him in elite company since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger, becoming the first since Philip Rivers in 2018. Meanwhile, the team’s defense is holding its opponents to a league-low average of 13.1 points per game, making them one of only four teams since 1990 and the first since Kansas City in 2013 to concede 20 or fewer points over nine consecutive games.
Looking ahead, Harbaugh remains optimistic regarding his team’s chances. He doesn’t foresee this challenging stretch leading to an end to their success, rather envisioning a smooth pathway toward the postseason. “I have complete faith in who we are and what we stand for. Our players are in tune with the challenges ahead, and I know they won’t shy away from any test,” he reassured.
One of the standout elements contributing to the Chargers’ recent victories is their pass rush; they managed to sack Tennessee’s quarterback Will Levis seven times, completing a notable feat of having six or more sacks across two consecutive games for the first time since 2006. Tuli Tuipulotu has emerged as a force, recording 5.5 sacks in his last three games, leading the league in this regard since Week 8.
However, there’s an area needing improvement: the team’s ability to prevent late-game scores. The Chargers have conceded 20 points in the final minute across their last five games, including touchdowns in the final moments against Cleveland and Tennessee. Despite their impressive defensive stats, had they managed to stop these late-game scores, they could have significantly reduced the points allowed.
In terms of individual performances, running back Gus Edwards returned to action confidently, registering 55 yards on ten carries after overcoming an ankle injury. The running team excelled, conducting play on the ground for 39 of 57 plays, marking a striking 68.4% run rate. This is the highest run rate for the Chargers since a game against Detroit in 2007.
On the other hand, cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor faced challenges, allowing a critical 41-yard touchdown to Calvin Ridley during the game’s opening drive—marking the first time an opposing offense has scored on the Chargers during that phase this season.
The Chargers’ roster also faced some injury woes, with cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) and offensive guard Trey Pipkins (ankle) sitting out, and linebacker Khalil Mack limited in participation due to a groin ailment.
A few key numbers from the game include Joey Bosa attaining 70 career sacks, making him the second player in franchise history to reach that milestone, while quarterback Herbert achieved a remarkable 1,772 career completions—the most by any NFL player in their first five seasons, surpassing Derek Carr’s previous record.
Looking ahead, the Chargers will be facing the Bengals, having enjoyed success in their last three encounters, including both games with Burrow as Cincinnati’s starting quarterback.