The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off one of the most emotional victories they have had in decades, possibly leading to a special Chargers playoff run. This feeling is special as fans are used to the heartbreaking blown leads, failed comeback attempts, and last-second miscues. They are so used to this that term “Chargering” became a thing, and describes exactly what happened for so long.
On primetime television, the Chargers were completely destroying the extremely talented Cincinnati Bengals, getting up to an early 24 to 6 lead. Super-star quarterback Justin Herbert was absolutely dealing, finding anyone and everyone. With a perfect passer rating at the half, it looked like the Chargers were ready to blow out the once superbowl hopeful Bengals.
Then the second half happened.
The Los Angeles Chargers Collapse in the Second Half
The Chargers further their lead to 27-6 at the start of the third quarter, making this game a hefty three-possession lead. However, the Bengals and Joe Burrow march seventy yards and score their first touchdown of the game cutting the lead.
After a quick Chargers three and out, the Bengals scored in four plays now making this game a one possession football game. Chargers fans were on the couch with a familiar feeling. The feeling of the impending doom that is watching your team “Charger” the game away.
A strong ensuing drive by the Chargers was ready for a score, but a fluky fumble from Herbert allowed Cincinnati to score once more. Tie ball game. 27-27.
With the game tied and the “Chargering” in full effect, you can feel the panic in the building. From excitement to fear. A quick punt from the Chargers gave the ball right back to Joe Burrow and his squad, giving him a chance to score. Luckily for the Bolts, Bengals Kicker, Evan McPherson missed a 48-yard field goal to take the lead. Game is still tied.
The Chargers once again saw a sad three and out and ready for a punt. What came next was what finally woke up the storm.
The Play That Changed The Tides: Sparking a Chargers Playoff Run
With all momentum sucked out of the Chargers offense, the Bolts are in punt formation ready for their fourth punt of the half. Then recently-signed special teams ace, Shaquille Quarterman drove down the field at full speed and completely laid the boom on the Bengals returner.
Shaq Quarterman was coming in HOT. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cnbw44kg5t
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 18, 2024
A hit that lit up the sound box, and made the crowd blow up. The energy was back for the team and the home Chargers fans. Sometimes in a game of x’s and o’s, all you need is a grown man to completely annihilate another. A feeling that can spread down the sideline in a hurry.
After the said hit on the punt return, the Bengals once again missed a crucial field goal, allowing the Chargers to have another crack at the endzone. This time, well, they punted again. However, the defense responded and stopped the Bengals, forcing a punt, using the energy given by the physicality of Quarterman.
The Chargers had one final chance to end this game and add another one to the win column. The energy in the building was restored, a hungry Herbert, and a team ready to change the narrative that they are the “same old Chargering Chargers” drove down the field in four plays regaining the lead. 34-27.
After a three-play drive that ended due to a lack of time on the board, the Chargers won, giving them their best chance at a playoff run in a few years, this time with the narrative that they won’t “Charger” it away. The Bengals go home in shambles.
Playoff Chance After The Primetime Showdown
After this win against the Bengals, NFL.com has the Chargers have a 91% chance to make the playoffs. With the Ravens loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Bolts moved up to the fifth seed, giving they a stronger matchup if the Chargers playoff season started today. A staggering change from the disappointment that was the Chargers 2023 season.
As for the Bengals, they went from 36% of making the playoffs to 17%. A long shot for what was once the super-bowl contending team.
The Shaq Quarterman hit was much more than just a complete smacking of the Bengals returner. It was the play that sparked this Chargers playoff run. A team winning in all three phases of the game, the Chargers can be a real contender.
Main Image: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
