EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Jim Harbaugh has instilled a sense of resilience within the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the next critical step for him is to guide the team in clinching tight victories.
In a recent matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers faced a narrow 19-17 defeat, marking their 10th consecutive regular-season loss by a margin of three points or less. This streak not only stands as the longest in the NFL currently but also ties for the fourth-longest in league history. For context, the Buffalo Bills hold the unwelcome record of 13 straight losses within this category, spanning from 2001 to 2006.
“We didn’t finish the game. We didn’t win when we had the chance,” expressed safety Derwin James Jr. “Moral victories aren’t what we’re after. We must address our mistakes. Relying on, ‘Oh, we played well and it came down to the last play’ isn’t enough. We recognize the urgency of the situation and need to respond accordingly.”
The Chargers have found themselves on the losing end in six consecutive encounters against the Chiefs, with two games being decided on the very last play and four outcomes sealed in the dying moments. This game was particularly notable, as it was the second instance this season the Chargers lost due to a walk-off field goal, with a previous defeat of 17-15 against Arizona in Week 7.
The last time Los Angeles managed a close victory was in Week 15 of the previous season when Cameron Dicker’s last-second field goal against Tennessee secured a 17-14 win. “We possess the confidence, but it’s imperative that we translate that onto the field. Nearly winning isn’t a reality in this league. The takeaway is that the game hinges on the smallest details,” remarked safety Elijah Molden.
In terms of offensive performance, the Chargers exhibited a degree of improvement in the second half, orchestrating two touchdown drives despite lacking the services of wide receiver Ladd McConkey and running back J.K. Dobbins. Rookie Kamani Vidal generated 27 yards on seven carries after halftime, while wide receivers Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston together made 11 receptions for 126 yards.
The defensive unit managed to restrict Patrick Mahomes to just one touchdown pass, though the Chiefs converted eight out of their 15 chances on third down, including three on the pivotal final drive. This loss positions the Chargers in a precarious chase for the sixth seed in the AFC playoff picture. Both Baltimore and Denver share an 8-5 record; however, the Ravens hold the tiebreaker after defeating the Chargers a fortnight ago. Los Angeles did win against the Broncos earlier in the season during Week 5.
After the recent defeat, Harbaugh drew inspiration from history, sharing a quote from Sir Andrew Barton, a figure from 16th-century Scotland. “I reminded them of what he said: ‘Fight on my men; I am a little wounded but not slain. I lay down and bleed a while and will rise and fight again,’” Harbaugh recounted.
**What’s Working**
The Chargers have excelled in pressuring opposing quarterbacks, as demonstrated by their three sacks of Mahomes— their highest performance against him. This success marks just the third occasion in 12 matchups where multiple sacks were recorded against the All-Pro quarterback. The team ranks fifth in the league with 39 total sacks and sits seventh in the pressure rate at 7.7%, which includes times when a quarterback is sacked, hit while throwing, or under duress.
**What Needs Attention**
One aspect requiring immediate improvement is minimizing three-and-out possessions. The Chargers suffered three consecutive drives without a first down in the second quarter, leading to punts. With an alarming rate of 28.4% of drives ending in three-and-outs this season, they hold the record for the highest in the NFL.
**Player Performance**
Johnston had a productive game, tying his season-high with five receptions after a notable dry spell of six catches across four games. He also drew a crucial 39-yard pass interference call on Chiefs safety Justin Reid, which was instrumental in setting up his own touchdown catch—a four-yard reception contributing to a brief lead for the Chargers.
On the downside, cornerback Cam Hart returned from an ankle injury but struggled defensively. He was too often close to Chiefs players during several completions, including being the nearest defender during DeAndre Hopkins’ touchdown reception.
**Injury Updates**
There were no new developments concerning quarterback Justin Herbert’s bruised left leg; he briefly exited after a hit from Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton. Tight end Will Dissly is undergoing additional evaluation for his injured right shoulder, while McConkey remains sidelined due to knee and shoulder issues and may be limited in practice this week.
**Key Statistics**
Herbert has now attempted 335 consecutive passes without an interception, a streak that ranks as the fifth-longest in NFL history.
**Looking Ahead**
The Chargers will host two important playoff contenders in a short span. Their first opponent will be the NFC South leading Tampa Bay on Sunday, followed closely by an AFC West contest against Denver on December 19, a matchup with significant implications for wild-card playoff positioning.
