Since their move into SoFi Stadium, it's seemed as if the Chargers carry varying levels of hype into each campaign.
When they acquired Khalil Mack in 2022, everyone kept an eye on them (and everyone else in the AFC West during a busy offseason). As a premier passer, Justin Herbert always attracts attention to his team, too.
But 2024 may have presented the lowest expectations for Los Angeles since they were playing in a soccer stadium in Carson. The Chargers had fired their coach and general manager, and while the hiring of Jim Harbaugh came with pomp and circumstance, most didn't see L.A. reaching this point: an appearance in the playoffs as the highest-ranked wild-card team with a ton of momentum on its side.
Such success has created a sense of urgency, especially for players like Mack, who knows Father Time is approaching.
"It's one of those rare opportunities, rare situations, where we got the right group of people together. What are we going to do?" the 33-year old Mack said this week, via ESPN's Kris Rhim. "We ain't got no time to waste. Especially me. We gotta win now."
As it turns out, Mack was considering all options after the Chargers capped another underwhelming season in 2023. Harbaugh was the one who convinced him to stick around for the transformation he envisioned for Los Angeles.
"He's not the type of dude to lie to you. And I've been lied to before," Mack said. "I respected it, man."
Mack's decision to stay with the Chargers produced a domino effect. Joey Bosa willingly took a pay cut to stay on board, while Derwin James finds motivation and inspiration from simply sharing the field with the nine-time Pro Bowler and future Pro Football Hall of Famer.
"Every day, I take the field, man, I want to do it for Mack and Joey," James said. "I know why Mack came back. Mack could have went anywhere bro, like he had an All-Pro year last year. But that's why I'm trying to do it -- for them boys."
The Chargers have reached a cruising speed thanks to a strong finish to the 2024 regular season, rattling off three straight wins after getting bludgeoned by the Buccaneers at home in Week 15. Herbert has thrown for 280-plus passing yards in each of his last three games, posting a 7-1 TD-INT ratio in the three wins and bringing an explosive element to the Chargers that was previously missing.
J.K. Dobbins' return to the lineup has helped balance out the offense, too, powering three-straight games of 380-plus total yards. Suddenly, folks are taking the Chargers quite seriously, especially in a matchup with the inconsistent Houston Texans.
Even without home-field advantage, most see the Chargers as the likely victor in the first game of Wild Card Weekend. Mack and Co. are out to make that a reality. After all, they only have so much time left before their opportunities disappear.