The Chargers (10-6) have secured a spot in the playoffs.
On Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles solidified their postseason position with a commanding 40-7 victory over the Patriots (3-13).
Here are five key takeaways from the Chargers’ dominant performance.
**Jim Harbaugh’s Successful Turnaround**
Harbaugh has once again proven his prowess in transforming a struggling team. The Chargers were among the most underwhelming teams last year, finishing with a 5-12 record under former head coach Brandon Staley. Despite parting ways with key players like wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as running back Austin Ekeler during the offseason, Harbaugh has succeeded in guiding the team to success even with one of the least impressive skill-position groups in the league.
Those who question the significance of coaching should take note of the Chargers’ remarkable turnaround under Harbaugh this season. His accomplishments have gone somewhat unnoticed, likely because he’s achieved similar feats in the past. For instance, he turned the 49ers around from a 6-10 season in 2010 to a 13-3 record in 2011, his first year as head coach.
**Potential Favorable Wild-Card Matchup**
Los Angeles appears to be heading towards an advantageous matchup in the wild-card round. If they win against the struggling Raiders (3-12) in Week 18 and if the Steelers (10-6) suffer a fourth consecutive loss to the Bengals (7-8), the Chargers will secure a wild-card game against the Texans (9-7) in Houston.
Houston just faced a harsh defeat, losing 31-2 to the Ravens (11-5) in a Christmas Day matchup, and they’ll be without their top two wide receivers, Stefon Diggs (knee) and Tank Dell (knee). If the standings remain unchanged, the Chargers would face the Ravens in two weeks, making the pursuit of the No. 5 seed critical for Los Angeles’ playoff aspirations.
**Ladd McConkey’s Case for Offensive Rookie of the Year**
The Chargers’ rookie receiver may not win the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) award, but he definitely merits consideration as a finalist. In the recent victory, he recorded eight receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns, marking his ninth consecutive game with at least 50 yards. This season, McConkey has tallied 77 receptions, 1,054 yards, and seven touchdowns.
This year’s OROY race is among the most competitive in recent times, featuring standout performances from Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas, and Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, along with Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving and Steelers center Zach Frazier. Given McConkey’s significant contribution to a playoff-bound Chargers team, he stands a strong chance of being one of the five finalists for the OROY award.
**Drake Maye Sparks Hope for the Patriots**
Patriots fans have reason for optimism, considering their future isn’t tied to a 40-year-old reality TV star. In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots made a promising choice in quarterback Drake Maye, selecting him third overall.
During Saturday’s loss, Maye began strongly, going 5-of-5 for 66 yards and a touchdown, including an impressive play under pressure to connect with wideout DeMario Douglas. However, his performance waned in the second half, and he was benched once the game was out of reach, finishing with 12-of-22 for 117 yards (averaging 5.3 yards per attempt) and one touchdown. Nevertheless, Maye showcased his potential, offering a glimmer of hope amid a disappointing Week 17.
**A Stark Reminder of Maye’s Needs**
Despite the hope Maye represents, the 33-point defeat starkly highlighted the support he requires to lead the Patriots back to the playoffs. Only four Patriots managed to make a reception, with wideouts Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne combining for just 50 yards on six catches. Outside of his touchdown, Douglas collected only
