INGLEWOOD, Calif. — At his introductory press conference in February, Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh set a clear goal: to transform the team’s identity from being known for their popular powder blue uniforms to a physical, grind-it-out force that wears down opponents late in games.
On Sunday, Harbaugh’s vision became reality in a 22-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders. The Chargers dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring their division rivals 15-3, while delivering one of the franchise’s most impressive rushing performances in history.
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — At his February press conference, Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh outlined his goal: to shift the team's reputation from flashy uniforms to a tough, physical squad that wears down opponents late in games.
That vision materialized in Sunday’s 22-10 win over the Oakland Raiders. The Chargers dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring their division rivals 15-3, and delivered one of the most impressive rushing performances in franchise history.
“[Wins] are hard to get. Everyone in that locker room knows it, and so do I,” Harbaugh said. “It’s really hard to win in the NFL, and I take my hat off to everyone in the organization, especially those who’ve been doing the dirty work.”
This marked Harbaugh’s first NFL game since 2014, when he was head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. The win improved his NFL record to 45-19-1, giving him a .700 win percentage—the fifth-best for a head coach in league history.
Owner Dean Spanos interrupted Harbaugh’s post-game speech to present game balls to Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz, which prompted a loud cheer from Harbaugh and the players. Afterward, Harbaugh said he felt “really lucky and fortunate.”
“It’s a special day for him to get his first win,” said quarterback Justin Herbert. “To have a guy like that leading the charge, and a locker room that buys in, makes it even better.”
Harbaugh's return was eventful, highlighted by a sprint onto the field in the fourth quarter to break up what he called a “melee” between players. Chargers WR Joshua Palmer and Raiders CB Jack Jones were ejected following the scuffle.
“Just trying to get our guys back and separated,” Harbaugh explained. “I just wanted to break it up.”
The Chargers’ defense carried the team while the offense struggled early. Harbaugh praised standout performances from Joey Bosa, who had a sack, forced fumble, and seven tackles, and Khalil Mack, who contributed 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Despite the defensive dominance, the offense sputtered through the first three quarters, managing only six plays in the red zone for six yards. That changed in the fourth quarter when running back J.K. Dobbins broke free for a 12-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a 61-yard run that set up a 10-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, sealing the game.
Dobbins finished with 10 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown—one of the best season openers by a running back in Chargers history. Harbaugh awarded Dobbins the game ball but jokingly told him he’d need it back after the speech.
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Dobbins’ 13.5 yards per carry set an NFL record for a season opener, and his 135 rushing yards were the most ever by a player in his first game with the Chargers. It was the kind of performance Dobbins had hinted at earlier in the year, proclaiming a “special” season ahead despite his injury history.
After signing a one-year, $1.61 million contract with just $50,000 guaranteed, Dobbins was critical of his performance despite the record-breaking day, noting he was tackled from behind on two long runs.
“I gotta’ get in shape,” Dobbins said. “I thought I was, but I wasn’t.”
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