How a Former 2021 Third Overall Pick Can Keep the Chargers Momentum Flowing in Week 18
Coming off a deflating defeat against the Houston Texans, the Los Angeles Chargers are turning to 25-year-old Trey Lance as their starting quarterback in a season finale that suddenly feels like both an audition and a stress test for the franchise. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has made it clear that he prioritizes winning and player health in his decisions, and in this case, that means prioritizing Justin Herbert and his long-term availability as the regular season comes to an end. This season, Herbert spent the past month playing through a broken left hand on his non-throwing arm. Meanwhile, his competitiveness and grit kept him on the field following surgery earlier in December, but the physical toll and the loss to Houston handed the AFC West title to the Denver Broncos. With Herbert currently sidelined, the Chargers head into Denver to face the AFC West champions and attempt to restore their reputation.
The stakes for Los Angeles are high, as Lance will be starting for the first time this season. His journey to this opportunity has been anything but straightforward, adding an extra layer of intrigue to his ascension. Once regarded as a potential franchise cornerstone after being selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance’s early career momentum was derailed by a fractured ankle suffered in the second week of the 2022 season. This injury required season-ending surgery and halted what was anticipated to be his breakout year. Consequently, other quarterbacks, such as Brock Purdy, seized the opportunity in San Francisco, forcing Lance into backup roles, first in Dallas and now in Los Angeles, after he joined the Bolts’ roster earlier this season. His playing time has primarily been limited to relief appearances behind Herbert. However, this week he steps into the starting position with a golden ticket, not merely as an untested prospect but as a talented passer eager to demonstrate that his draft status accurately reflects his potential, with a strong finish in mind.
This week’s opportunity from Harbaugh gives Lance the chance to show what he can do under pressure. After all, as the saying goes, “diamonds are made under pressure.” Lance has stepped up well as Herbert's backup this season, proving reliable in key relief appearances throughout the year. In Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he entered late in the game and completed eight of 12 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, helping the Chargers rally for a win. He also shined in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing for 145 yards and scrambling for 32 yards on critical third downs, which kept drives alive and showcased his quick decision-making. In limited action across five games, Lance boasts a 68% completion rate with a 95.2 passer rating and just one interception, numbers that highlight his growth and readiness to earn more snaps. These performances have built trust in the locker room and among fans, setting the stage for him to build on that foundation now.
In simple terms, this game is more than just an analysis of Lance’s stats. This opportunity highlights how he reads defenses, works within Harbaugh’s system, and handles difficult situations against a strong team like Denver. The Broncos have locked up the division and will play at home in one of the league’s noisiest stadiums this year. Lance must manage loud crowds, complex coverages, and a pass rush that intensifies as the game unfolds while stepping into a leadership role. For the Chargers, this matchup provides a critical evaluation of whether Lance can be a dependable long-term backup to Herbert or even a potential trade asset, as quality quarterbacks are scarce league-wide. A strong performance could reshape Lance’s future contract discussions and overall narrative, turning this Week 18 opportunity into a genuine turning point rather than another fleeting moment in a career marked by close calls and injuries.
