Jim Harbaugh Leads Chargers’ Revenge as Trey Lance Capitalizes on Justin Herbert’s Absence to Outplay the Lions

The Chargers’ 33-28 victory over the Lions in 2015 is the last regular-season triumph for San Diego over Detroit. They’ve only met twice since then — in 2019 and 2023. And the Chargers lost.

Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game matchup, which the Chargers won 34-7, doesn’t change the stat. The preseason doesn’t count for anything. However, Los Angeles got some much-needed information from the contest.

Trey Lance, whom they signed to a one-year, $2 million contract in free agency, can be a viable backup to Justin Herbert. Lance, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, shone in roughly one half of action on Thursday. Jim Harbaugh seems to be keen to keep his backup QB up to speed, too.

The quarterback completed 65% (13/20) of his passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with tight end Will Dissly on his first scoring toss of the night, and found wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith on the second.

Lance, 25, has always boasted incredible talent. A broken ankle in Week 2 of the 2022 campaign and Brock Purdy’s subsequent breakout ended any chance of him becoming the San Francisco 49ers’ franchise quarterback.

He never had a shot of taking Dak Prescott’s job in Dallas, and won’t replace Herbert in LA. However, he showed tonight that he’s got plenty in the tank.

Lance is already benefiting from Harbaugh’s teaching

Harbaugh has led every team he has ever coached to success. He took the 49ers to the NFC Championship in each of his first three seasons (2011-13). He led his alma mater, Michigan, to a College Football Playoff title in 2023. Then, last season, he turned the Chargers from a moribund organization into a playoff participant.

Harbaugh revitalizes football programs, professional or collegiate. He helped Herbert play the most efficient football of his career in 2024. It’s possible he can do the same for Lance, even if Los Angeles’ fans are hoping they’ll never see the backup QB play (because it would mean Herbert is hurt).

Playful actions like those above, based on Lance’s reaction, instilled confidence in the young signal-caller. For possibly the first time in his professional life, Lance is playing for someone who believes he can succeed. After years of struggle in the league, that has to be a wonderful feeling.

Los Angeles returns home to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Aug. 10, in Week 1 of the preseason. Detroit, meanwhile, will head to Atlanta for another preseason battle. Their affair is set for Friday, Aug. 8.