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Jim Harbaugh’s Wild 4th Down Call and Why the Chargers Are Still Searching For a Win at 0-5

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Los Angeles Chargers logo on gradient background — Created by the Sports On Tap desk | Source : Sports On Tap (team logos property of their respective owners)

The Los Angeles Chargers are still winless, now sitting at a brutal 0-5, after the Denver Broncos pulled off a 23-17 comeback victory on Thursday night. It was a late rally for Denver, pushing them to a 3-2 record, but for the Chargers, it was another gut punch that leaves them scrambling for answers.

Harbaugh’s Risky Play Seals the Chargers’ Fate

Seriously, what was Jim Harbaugh thinking? The Chargers had jumped into a 17-10 lead in the third quarter, feeling good, but then came the fourth. With about 10 minutes left in the game, the Chargers were facing a fourth-and-1 from their OWN 41-yard-line. Most coaches punt and pin the other team deep. Not Harbaugh. He went for it. Justin Herbert got stuffed way short on a sneak, turning the ball over in prime territory. That one decision completely flipped the script.

Broncos Pounce on Chargers’ Mistakes

You give a team that kind of field position, they’re gonna make you pay. Bo Nix immediately hit Courtland Sutton for a touchdown pass on the very next drive. Then, the Chargers just kept shooting themselves in the foot. Broncos defensive lineman D.J. Jones forced a Herbert fumble on the ensuing drive. Even though the Broncos stalled on the 1-yard-line and had to kick a field goal, they added another one after safety Brandon Jones picked off Herbert on the next Chargers possession. Herbert now has… well, it just keeps getting worse. This team has to figure out their offensive rhythm, and fast, if they want to avoid a truly miserable season.

The Broncos, on the other hand, showed some serious grit to get that win, even if head coach Sean Payton taking back playcalling responsibilities didn’t lead to a “clear improvement” from previous weeks. They did enough when it mattered. For the Chargers, it’s back to the drawing board for another week, still looking for their first win of the season.

This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.

Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.

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