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When the Los Angeles Chargers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers squared off, it was an interesting bout, to say the least. The league's top defense, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, was expected to stop a scorching-hot Buccaneers offense. However, the inverse happened, and Tampa Bay dropped a 40-piece on the Chargers. Following the game, Harbaugh explained via ESPN about the whooping his team endured.
“It was pretty thorough… very thorough,” Harbaugh said. “And now we’re staring at that adversity, and it’s (about) how we respond,” Harbaugh said. “All phases just weren’t good enough today.”
The loss was the first time they allowed 40+ points all season. Before then, they only allowed three games of 20+ points. They've lost three of their last four games as they're in the hunt for an AFC Wild Card spot. Even with the loss, Los Angeles is in a prime position to continue their turnaround season under Harbaugh.
Jim Harbaugh's reaction highlights the Chargers' expectations
Ever since Harbaugh became the Chargers head coach, there's been a new standard. He brought in a defensive philosophy from Michigan football. Also, Harbaugh brought a more conservative offense and allowed quarterback Justin Herbert to play smart football. For as talented as he is, Herbert had to play hero ball the past two seasons. Now, it's been more efficient and managing the game well.
Luckily, the season has been that and then some for Los Angeles. They've made a clear turnaround without much roster turnover. Sometimes, success comes down to coaching. However, their loss to the Buccaneers proved that it's also on the players to perform. The Chargers head coach has his players in the right position, though.
Before the season began, Harbaugh dismissed narratives about drama following him. After a sign-stealing scandal at Michigan, he's been under the microscope of critics. Despite that, he's kept the main thing, the main thing. The 8-6 record has Chargers fans excited for the future. Still, focusing on the current season is an important element.
The next three games could be a deal-breaker if Los Angeles makes the playoffs. They play the Denver Broncos, the New England Patriots, and the Las Vegas Raiders. A win against the Broncos would propel them back into the Wild Card. Most importantly, Harbaugh will use the 40-point beatdown as motivation for the rest of the season.
After all, when the Chargers lost to the Arizona Cardinals, he remained optimistic. This could be another wake-up call in one of the most pivotal moments of the season.
