Jim Harbaugh transitioned back to the NFL after winning a college football national title, and it looks like he is working some magic in L.A. Thanks to Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers were able to finally put an end to what fans (and critics) have dubbed “Chargering” — that infamous Chargers knack for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
The Sunday Night Football clash with the Cincinnati Bengals brought some hope back to Chargers fans as they sit in second place in the AFC West with a 7-3 record.
Chargers Fans Thrilled With Change of Culture Under Coach Jim Harbaugh
After the Chargers took down the Bengals 34-27 in the SNF thriller, fans buzzed with praise. An NFL reporter, Eric Williams, summed up the mood perfectly in his tweet, stating, “Jim Harbaugh put an end to Chargering? What can’t he do.”
Jim Harbaugh put an end to Chargering? What can't he do.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) November 18, 2024
Many came up with reactions similar to Williams’, praising the new coach for his achievements with the team.
One fan had a cool analogy, “We Chargered and then we UnChargered.”
We Chargered and then we UnChargered.
— John Smith (@GOP_U) November 18, 2024
Another praised the new coach, writing, “he is him.”
he is him
— scott green (@thescottmgreen) November 18, 2024
Former NFL player Robert Griffin III praised Harbaugh more, writing, “Jim Harbaugh is the best thing to ever happen to Justin Herbert’s career.”
Jim Harbaugh is the best thing to ever happen to Justin Herbert’s career.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 18, 2024
A fan page wrote, “Don’t ever tell me Jim Harbaugh won because he inherited a 49ers team. It’s all about coaching. I told ya’ll…it’s the coaching.”
Don’t ever tell me Jim Harbaugh won because he inherited a 49ers team. It’s all about coaching. I told ya’ll…it’s the coaching. pic.twitter.com/Qm0OytZuEA
— 49erscast (@49erscast1) November 18, 2024
Harbaugh’s influence has clearly left a mark, not just on the scoreboard but also on the team’s mentality. After the win, the coach himself praised the defense via ESPN, noting, “Defense was at our best when our best was needed,” as it has been rare for the franchise in recent years.
Chargers Agree With Changes Brought by Harbaugh
The Chargers are feeling the difference under Harbaugh’s leadership and couldn’t agree more with the fans’ sentiments. Linebacker Daiyan Henley captured the new vibe in the locker room via ESPN, saying, “This team came with more purpose. Maybe it wasn’t there last year for whatever reason, but right now we have purpose, we have belief.”
For Henley and many others, it’s a change they credit to Harbaugh’s influence and the fresh energy he’s instilled. Linebacker Joey Bosa believes that Harbaugh has brought a kind of focus to the team that has been missing.
“Having Coach Harbaugh and having the whole staff, I think, has shifted the culture here,” Bosa explained. “It feels like if we keep doing what we need to… not getting comfortable, and just continuing to improve every week, I think we have a shot at something special.”
Joey Bosa: “It’s been a lot of games through the years where we’ve been put in that position and came up short. So I’m just proud of everybody.”
He said there was a lack of belief among the team in the past in close game situations that they would mess it up.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) November 18, 2024
Meanwhile, quarterback Justin Herbert took command in classic style, driving the Chargers down the field in the final seconds. With two clutch passes to wide receiver Ladd McConkey, Herbert set up Los Angeles for a potential game-sealing field goal. Yet, running back J.K. Dobbins capped things off with a 29-yard touchdown, turning a nerve-wracking fourth quarter into a statement win.
With Harbaugh in charge and players buying in, the Chargers are building a new reputation as strong AFC contenders like never before.