Five keys to Chargers turnaround with Jim Harbaugh, including Justin Herbert leap and No. 1 scoring defense

“When people are giving you accolades and compliments and telling you you’ve arrived, kick them in the shins. You kick them right in the shins, that’s what you do.”

That’s what Jim Harbaugh said last week on the Chargers 7-3 start. Well, I better put some shin guards on because I’m about to heap on the praise.

The Chargers will host the Ravens on “Monday Night Football” in the “Harbaugh Bowl” as brothers Jim and John Harbaugh meet for the third time as NFL head coaches in what is one of the most anticipated games of the year.

So far Jim Harbaugh has done what he’s always done. He turns programs around with an immediate culture change. The Chargers are 7-3 this season and have already surpassed their win total from last year (5-12), something Harbaugh has done at every stop of his career from Stanford to Michigan with the 49ers in between.

Jim Harbaugh turnarounds

2024 Chargers

7-3

5-12

2015 Michigan

10-3

5-7

2011 49ers

13-3

6-10

2007 Stanford

4-8

1-11

The Harbaugh effect has been felt in all three phases of the game as the Chargers are one of two teams to rank in the top half of the league in EPA per game on offense, defense and special teams entering Week 12, along with the Lions, who are the Super Bowl favorites and considered by some to be the most complete team in football.

When the Chargers hired Harbaugh this offseason it seemed like a match made in heaven. A perennial underachiever (five straight seasons going under their preseason over/under win total) meets one of the most successful coaches in football history with a reputation for winning, unmatched passion and a unique style. Everything has come to fruition so far.

You know it’s been a good season when we’ve barely seen the phrase “Charger-ing” making the rounds on social media. No crazy blown leads, head-scratching losses in close games or letdown games that have been this franchises’ calling card for decades. 

Here are the keys to…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/five-keys-to-chargers-turnaround-with-jim-harbaugh-including-justin-herbert-leap-and-no-1-scoring-defense/

Author : Douglas Clawson

Publish date : 2024-11-25 13:04:00

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