Chargers cruise past Colts, clinch 1st playoff berth since '18

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. laughed and pumped his fist as he bounced in Santa hat. As head coach Brandon Staley wrapped his arm around Dean Spanos, he presented him with a ball. Staley exclaimed, "I've wanted to give him a ball ever since I arrived here." He's been patient. He has invested in the team. He has brought us all together -- game ball, playoff appearance -- Dean Spanos. After their defeat of the Indianapolis Colts 20-3, Spanos, Staley, and the Bolts celebrated in the visitors' locker room at Lucas Oil Field. The Chargers will be returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

They improved to 9-6 with two games remaining in regular season. Spanos exclaimed, "I'm not great at giving speeches, but I'm so proud to all you guys," as the players stomped. We've still got some work to do, but we're making good progress. Let's get it done! After jumping into the No. 6 seed after a win over the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 18. L.A. was able to secure a postseason berth earlier than expected, despite the fact that the New York Jets (New England Patriots), Las Vegas Raiders (New England Patriots) and Las Vegas Raiders all lost in their weekend matchups.

"I've been here for a long time enough to know that it comes when it does," Keenan Allen, a Chargers veteran of 10 years, said amid the humour and dancing of his teammates. It's something we talk about all the time. Control what you can control. This week, we were able control our destiny and made it happen. Sebastian Joseph-Day, last season's Super Bowl winner with the Rams, said: "It is amazing and indescribable. It's not over. There are two more games and we need to keep the momentum going. This will be Staley's first appearance in the postseason.

Herbert, a third-year signal-caller, completed 24 of 31 passes for 245 yards and an interception Monday night. Herbert stated, "It'll be a lot fun." "I'm just excited to be in that environment and to have the opportunity to keep playing football." It's only the beginning. Staley said that this is not the final goal. He narrowly missed the playoffs his first season as a coach after losing to Raiders in Week 18. A tie or win would have sent Staley to the postseason. We have two more games against very good teams. This is why we must continue to play the best football possible to not only make it to the playoffs, but also to win the Super Bowl. That is our goal. After bolstering their defense, the Bolts were amongst the favourites to earn a playoff spot.

The Bolts made a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bears to bring pass-rusher Khalil Mak to Los Angeles. They also signed cornerback J.C. Jackson, a $52.5 million, five-year contract in free agency. In addition, they added Austin Johnson and Joseph Day to their defensive line. The Chargers struggled to a 5-5 start as many of their key players were injured. Herbert was unable to play for several weeks due to a fractured rib cartilage he sustained in Week 2. He also missed wide receivers Allen, Mike Williams and a high ankle strain. Williams and Allen did not play together for a full game until Week 14. After Week 3, the offensive line lost left tackle Rashawn Sloper to injury reserve.

The Bolts also lost Joey Bosa, Jackson, and Johnson, their edge rushers, to injured reserve. Bosa is still possible to return, but the unit seems to be moving at a good pace. Joseph-Day said, "So many people had their hands in this, which is the beautiful thing," after giving a shout out to Cameron Dicker, a rookie kicker who has scored two game-winning field goal this season, as well as DeAndre Carter, a return specialist. "A lot of guys really stepped in, and I believe that's where most of the growth really comes. The Chargers held Nick Foles down to 17 of 29 passing for 143 yards and three interceptions, while also sacking the Indianapolis quarterback seven more times. The Colts were only 0-for-10 with third down.

"We have the strength and endurance to weather the kind of season we've had. Staley stated that we wouldn't be where we are today without the hard work of our football team and the strength of our football team. "For too long, people have focused on the talent of the football team and the organisation. But that is not what will get you to where you want. You must prove your toughness. This is what we have shown so far this season. On Sunday, the Chargers will face the Los Angeles Rams in a home match for the Bolts.

They wrap up the regular season in Denver in Week 18. Herbert was determined to improve his game despite clinching his first playoff berth in his career. Herbert stated that he doesn't believe we have played their best football yet. "I believe the defense has done an amazing job in the past few weeks. Offensively, I believe we could be better. We can reduce turnovers and that starts with us.