By David McDonnell
The LA Chargers are into the play-offs for the first time in the Justin Herbert era, after a very comfortable win against the Colts.
Jeff Saturday’s notions of keeping his head coaching position flew out the window after surrendering a 33 point lead last week and they didn’t fly back in on Monday Night Football.
This was as easy a win the Bolts could have expected against an Indy side that clocked it in and clocked it out. Unless they are that bad, which could just as easily be argued, and they need and will go another direction once they play their final game next weekend.
For the Chargers, things are looking up and they will give any team in the AFC all they want of it once the business end of the season begins.
They are a team loaded with talent who have gotten healthier as their season has progressed and their players and coaching staff deserve a lot of credit for making the playoffs, with a laundry list of injuries throughout the season and players lining out banged up. Including Justin Herbert, whose form has shot up after their bye week when he could rest his rib injury and he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the league.
Although he didn’t light it up against the Colts on MNF, he didn’t need to as he led his charges to a routine victory.
While they still have Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater and JC Jackson among others on injured reserve, they boast a host of first team talent able to mix it with the best. Also they are good to watch. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams continue to be an elite receiving duo, and the pair combined for 180 receiving yards against the Colts.
Austin Ekeler opened the scoring with his first touchdown of the night.
And in the fourth quarter he repeated his party trick.
Nick Foles was starting under centre for the first time for Indy this season and the ring rust was evident, as he threw three interceptions on the night. The Colts fans must be counting down the seconds until the regular season is over and they can refocus on 2023.
For the Chargers, it’s the play-offs baby!
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