EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers face the Denver Broncos on a short week Thursday night, and as difficult as this game will be on the players’ bodies, it could be equally beneficial for the minds.
The Chargers are desperate and eager to move on from Sunday’s embarrassing loss at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Thursday games never come at a good time. But there is probably no better time than after this stinker of a performance. The Chargers only had to wait four days for a chance to wash away the bitter taste of 40-17. And that is what this game represents: an opportunity to respond. Whether they take advantage of that opportunity remains to be seen.
As defensive coordinator Jesse Minter put it this week: “It can be a one-off if we respond the right way. If we don’t, then it becomes a trend.”
Everything the Chargers want is still in front of them. They can clinch a playoff spot this week.
The clinching scenarios …
1. Chargers win, Miami Dolphins lose or tie and Indianapolis Colts lose or tie.
2. Chargers tie, Dolphins lose, Colts lose and Cincinnati Bengals lose or tie.
The Colts host the Tennessee Titans. The Dolphins host the San Francisco 49ers. And the Bengals host the Cleveland Browns.
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