INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Jim Harbaugh’s postgame response perfectly captured the excitement following a thrilling 34-27 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night.

“That was an amazing win,” Harbaugh exclaimed. “A fantastic team win. It was incredible!”

Harbaugh seems to have tackled a persistent issue that has historically troubled the Los Angeles Chargers: their tendency to lose in surprising ways. This match brought back memories of the Chargers’ infamous collapse in the 2022 playoffs against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In that game, Los Angeles squandered a 27-point lead before losing.

On this occasion, the Chargers allowed a 27-6 lead to slip in the second half, leading to a tie at 27 in the fourth quarter.

However, unlike their previous flop, the Chargers showed resilience and survived a strong rally from the Bengals.

“It felt like a heavyweight boxing match,” Harbaugh noted. “Our offense stepped up at crucial moments, and so did the defense and special teams. Everyone contributed, and all three units played their best when it mattered most.”

The game unfolded in two contrasting halves; the Chargers initially dominated with a 24-6 halftime lead. Yet, the Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, surged with 21 unanswered points to level the score at 27-27 in the final quarter.

Bengals kicker Evan McPherson missed two critical field goals: one from 48 yards out and another from 51 yards with less than two minutes left, which allowed the Chargers a chance to respond. The Chargers’ defense forced a punt with just 55 seconds left on the clock.

Justin Herbert and the Chargers executed a swift game-winning drive, covering 84 yards in only 27 seconds, culminating in a 29-yard touchdown run by running back J.K. Dobbins.

Burrow attempted a desperate Hail Mary pass as time ran out, but Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. knocked it down.

“Credit to the defense for giving us that chance,” Herbert said. “We knew we had to make a play. That drive was crucial. Ladd (McConkey) made some huge catches, followed by an outstanding run from J.K. (Dobbins). Huge respect to the team for staying focused and finishing strong.”

The Chargers have now won four consecutive games, their longest winning streak since the 2022 season. This victory over a formidable Bengals team led by Burrow marks a pivotal win for the Chargers.

Sunday’s performance could signal the start of a new chapter for Harbaugh’s Chargers as they strive to build a culture of winning.

“We want to make a statement to the league that we’re serious about what we’re doing,” said Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley, who recorded a game-high 11 tackles. “This team is different from past Chargers teams. The fans should expect more from us. When opportunities arise, we’re committed to seizing them. We’re actively working towards success, knowing nothing is guaranteed.”