The Chargers head back to Jacksonville for the first time since blowing the 27-0 lead in the Wild Card game three seasons ago. QB Justin Herbert was asked about it earlier this week and largely wanted to leave it in the past. "We've had plenty of opportunities to talk about that game," Herbert said.
However, other Chargers players are using it as motivation. EDGE Khalil Mack is one of the 12 current Chargers that was there on that Saturday night in Jacksonville. He had this to say:
"It's just certain motivations you have throughout the-you know what I mean? I think Michael Jordan said it in one of those, or somebody said it for him in one of those documentaries that came out not too long ago," Mack started. "It's just certain things you gotta keep in your pocket and bring them out when the opportunity presents itself."
Khalil Mack is ready to exorcise some of the Chargers' demons against Jacksonville.
Mack was asked directly whether the Jacksonville game is one of those opportunities he described.
"I mean, it's always one of them for me," Mack said. "I love going against this team in general, just knowing the talent level that they have-and 16, he's a great quarterback. And so it's another challenge, you know what I mean? Like I said last week about Aaron (Rodgers), you got a league full of great talent-especially arm talent wise and running wise. And so it's gonna be super important for us this week."
While the Chargers and Jaguars are both very different looking teams now compared to that 2022 season, it's likely that the playoff game will be on the minds of players from both sides.
We're so far removed from the game that GM Trent Baalke, HC Doug Pederson, GM Tom Telesco, and HC Brandon Staley are no longer with either of the organizations involved. But like Mack and Herbert, the men who were on the field that day remember.
Hopefully, they're able to make enough of a statement to officially leave the demons from Duval in the past.