There's no doubt that Jim Harbaugh's squad showed their mettle and toughness on Sunday night.
The Bolts trailed 13-0 at the half on the road against the two-time defending Super Bowl champs in one of the most difficult places to play ... and ended up losing on a last-second field goal that fortuitously bounced off the upright and in.
I wrote last week that the Chargers could make a statement with a win over the Chiefs. Even in a loss, I still believe they made one — albeit on a smaller scale — based on how they played in primetime.
Richard's sentiment above is the correct one.
Were fans disappointed? Of course.
So were players, coaches, the front office and everyone associated with the Chargers.
However, the Bolts still find themselves in a great spot with five games left. At 8-5, the Chargers currently sit in the No. 6 seed in the AFC Playoff Picture.
And if we peak ahead, there's a chance the Chargers could end up clinching a playoff spot next week.
Here's how...
The Bolts, of course, have to take care of their own business, which means a win at home Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Additionally, let's say Miami loses at Houston and Indianapolis loses at Denver.
If that happens, the Chargers would be 9-5 while the Dolphins and Colts would both be 6-8. The Bengals, if they win Sunday at the Titans, would also be 6-8.
Because Miami, Indianapolis and Cincinnati would all be at eight losses, the best record each could finish with is 9-8.
So, a win by the 9-5 Chargers against the Broncos would mean 10 wins and a playoff spot.
The fun part of all of this? The Broncos would also be 9-5 in this scenario, meaning Denver would also be playing for a spot in the dance on Thursday Night Football.
Buckle up, Bolt Fam! If things break a certain way Sunday, next week's game at SoFi Stadium will be massive.