The Los Angeles Chargers improved to 10-6 and secured a spot in the AFC playoffs under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, defeating the New England Patriots 40-7 on Saturday.
Justin Herbert led the charge, completing 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards and throwing three touchdown passes. His performance earned him his third season with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons, making him the third player in NFL history to achieve this feat.
Ladd McConkey had a standout game, catching eight passes for 94 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He also became the third Chargers rookie receiver to reach 1,000 yards receiving in the season.
The Chargers’ defense was equally impressive, sacking Patriots quarterback Drake Maye four times and forcing his second-quarter fumble. The team outgained New England 428-181 for the game.
Coach Jerod Mayo admitted that his team “just didn’t play well enough” in any phase of the game, but emphasized that pressure comes with being a head coach. For Harbaugh and the Chargers, the message is clear: they have their sights set on achieving much more.
The win marked the fourth postseason appearance in Harbaugh’s five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers will now look to keep their momentum going in their regular-season finale against Las Vegas.
Source: https://gvwire.com/2024/12/28/herbert-tosses-3-td-passes-as-chargers-secure-playoff-spot