Note that Herbert followed with a laser beam over the middle that Josh Palmer somehow, someway caught in the back of the end zone – he tipped the ball toward him with one hand, secured it with two hands, and tapped the ball with his toes as it fell to take possession of him to the ground.

Although LA punted on the next drive, Herbert and the Chargers delivered the game-winning volley with a 90-yard march in the fourth quarter. It ended with Herbert throwing a short pass over the middle to Hassan Haskins, who weaved through poor Broncos tackles for a 34-yard score.

This was the type of game where the Broncos were able to score touchdowns on their first three drives that most likely would have spelled a loss – probably a lopsided – loss for the Chargers in past seasons. After all, it was a year ago when the Chargers lost 63-21 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday night in Week 15, with Herbert sidelined by injury and Harbaugh preparing his Michigan team to win a national title.

This Thursday evening, however, it became clear once again how drastically the situation has changed for the Chargers.

The Broncos put on an offensive tour de force in the first half, but it was the drive and magnificence of Herbert that won the night and ensured LA had a 97% chance of making the playoffs.

“We’ve talked all week about how important these games are, especially in December and January,” said Herbert, who helped prevent the Broncos from clinching a playoff spot on Thursday. “We knew about the impact. We’ve stressed all week that this is a playoff game for us. It’s the environment, it’s the team. They are very talented and an incredible team. So we’re able to walk away with one.’ I thought it was great for us there.