Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh hailed the effort of his players as they came from 21-13 down at half-time to beat the Denver Broncos 34-27.
Los Angeles (9-6) now have a 97% probability of making the playoffs with the win according to the NFL. They will wrap up a second postseason berth in three seasons on Sunday if Indianapolis and Miami lose.
“It was a total team effort by everyone. It was phenomenal,” coach Harbaugh said.
“The test and challenge is how you are going to respond. They went back to work and stayed the course.”
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?! pic.twitter.com/kJPoiLcGWA
— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2024
The Chargers’ comeback included Cameron Dicker making the first successful fair-catch kick in the NFL in 48 years. He was good from 57 yards on the final play of the first half to pull the Chargers to 21-13.
Denver (9-6) could have clinched a playoff spot with a win, and have tough remaining tests at Cincinnati and at home against Kansas City in Week 18 to come.
“Obviously, it was a disappointing loss. There was a lot at stake, and we know that,” Denver coach Sean Payton said.
“We had a fast start, and then uncharacteristically this season, we didn’t finish or play nearly well enough in the second half, both offensively and defensively.”
A rare fair catch free kick results in a Cameron Dicker 57-yard FG for the @Chargers 🤯
It's the first free kick FG since 1976! pic.twitter.com/yb0cyPuKnR
— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2024
The Broncos appeared well on their way to wrapping up their first postseason berth since 2015 after they scored on their first three drives to go up 21-10. But after Wil Lutz’s 41-yard field goal midway through the third quarter gave the Broncos a 24-13 advantage, the Chargers stormed back.
“First three drives, 21 points, and then we just kind of stalled,” said quarterback Bo Nix, who completed 29 of 40 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
“We got the same defense (in the second half). Just for whatever reason, we couldn’t get going.”
