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He talked about what his players want this game, needing this challenge, not necessarily to make a statement, but more to make a point.
To themselves.
"We knew it would be a test, a four-quarter football match," said coach Anthony Lynn. "They passed the test."
The Chargers certainly did so Sunday, hanging on to Seattle 25-17 on CenturyLink Field, the most audacious step yet for a team determined to prove its membership in the highest echelon of the NFL.
This was the Chargers' fifth consecutive win, their longest run since 2014. They also stopped five straight defeats on the road against opponents to victory and started the season 6-2 for the first time since 2006.
"Honestly, it's a playoff team, right?" Said offensive tackle Russell Okung about the Seahawks. "Coming on the road in this environment and winning shows us a lot about our character. I think it was a big step forward. "
A four-quarter football match? In fact, it was much more than that, as the Chargers did not get that victory until Seattle failed in the last non-clocking final after the timer expired.
An interference penalty from cornerback Michael Davis in the end zone necessitated an extra game.
One day when the Chargers' defense dominated during the stretching, the dramatic end was a misfortune to spare.
"I've never seen that call at the end of the game, but they've made that call," Lynn said. "Officials, they have to do their job. You do not see this call too often in this situation, last part of the game. "
Thus, the Chargers were the highest at the end, winning with a late denial in their goal zone for the second game in a row. They beat Tennessee 20-19 on Oct. 21 by preventing a two-point conversion in the final seconds.
This one was a real triumph, the Chargers appeared about to open a comfortable advantage, but then they had to stay the course when overcoming the obstacles.
They conceded seven more tries than they had won, they owned the ball for 10 minutes less and were called to 12 penalties for a total of 105 yards.
They also had to overcome another troubling day for Caleb Sturgis. The veteran kicker missed two more points – six for the season – and a 42-yard field goal.
Sturgis returned Sunday after two games due to a quadriceps injury. He was healthy again, but his performance hurt.
The situation was such that Lynn opted for a two-point conversion in the first four minutes of the second quarter.
"We do not feel the same when there is [only] six on the board, "said quarterback Philip Rivers. "You want to convert the third try and when you still have a chance to get points [and don’t], you smell, ugh, you know? So we overcame this ordeal and rallied.
Rivers, who made his 200th consecutive start, completed 13 of 26 passes for a total of 228 yards and two touchdowns, both on remarkable individual effort from his receivers, first Tyrell Williams, then Mike Williams.
Melvin Gordon returned after missing a match due to a hamstring injury to play 16 times for 113 yards and a score. Of the Charger's eight longest plays, three were performed by Gordon.
Keenan Allen did not reach the end zone, but stretched the peloton, finishing with six yards at 124 yards and a 28-yard gain.
"They were hot," said Allen of the Seahawks. "But we are hotter."
The next step for the Chargers is another trip, this one to Oakland, to face a team of struggling Raiders.
Then, L.A. plays at home against Denver and Arizona, which means the Chargers should be favored in each of their next three contests.
This hot team has a chance to become even hotter.
"We are so confident in our team," said defensive lineman Damion Square. "The pieces we were able to assemble … everyone can be on the ground at the same time. It's really coming true.
After missing the playoffs in the last four years, the Chargers have positioned themselves advantageously in the first half of their 2018 calendar.
A team that knows too well short, still trying to sell on a new market, struggling to establish its place in this season of the NFL, emerged Sunday in its best form to date.
"Just the reader, dude, the reader," said Gordon. "We have lived so many things, more downs than highs. We are climbing. It's time we saw a little light. "
Twitter: @JeffMillerLAT
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