Jon Gruden is in love with Chargers Jim Harbaugh

The Los Angeles Chargers pulled off a thrilling win Sunday night, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 34-27. There was some drama, however, as the Chargers gave up an initial 21-point lead.

Perhaps in years past the Chargers would have folded and let the Bengals steal every last bit of momentum. This time it was different: Jim Harbaugh’s team fought to the end, valiantly winning. It was a well-executed performance from Justin Herbert and rookie Ladd McConkey.

The two failed on a wide-open pass on the previous attempt, but connected on two key plays that led to J.C. Dobbins’ 29-yard touchdown run to take the lead with 18 seconds left. Super Bowl-winning head coach Jon Gruden was thrilled with how the Chargers used McConkey in the top drive.

“On the 65th play, they call up McConkey, their rookie, again,” Gruden said. “But this time they told Joshua Palmer, ‘Hey, you put this away and try to take the take with you.’ And this time, let’s let our good friend McConkey show Mike Hilton this way out, but let’s do a double take and take advantage of it. And he forced the veteran Hilton to bite, and McConkey made a great catch for a 26-yard gain. “

It was actually a 28-yard gain for McConkey, who followed it up with a 27-yard catch two plays later. Fans should feel as excited as Gruden did while watching this play.

— Enjoy free Chargers coverage from the Los Angeles Chargers on SI. —

Jim Harbaugh has restored Justin Herbert’s ‘fragile’ confidence, Skip Bayless says

The Chargers, incredibly, played a role in the Jets’ messy fall.

Chargers will get brutal injury news ahead of Week 12 vs. Ravens

Chargers called the new ‘hoodlum on the block’

Jim Harbaugh shrugs off accolades as Chargers keep winning