Jim Harbaugh proves Chargers right for passing on Sean Payton with win over Broncos

It was not very long ago that LA Chargers fans were clamoring over the idea of Sean Payton becoming the team's next head coach. Payton was an analyst at FOX while Brandon Staley was in the midst of an up-and-down second season that resulted in the worst playoff loss in franchise history.

Making the playoffs saved Staley's job and Payton missed out on what was undoubtedly the best landing spot for him. Instead, Payton settled for the Denver Broncos, who opened the checkbook for him to come fix an embarrassing situation.

Chargers fans had to deal with another season of Staley and as painful as it was, it may have all been worth it in the end. The Chargers' patience led the team to hire Jim Harbaugh, who faced off against Payton for the first time on Sunday and proved that patience does pay off.

Chargers prove they have the better head coach with win over Broncos

There was not anything Payton did particularly wrong in this game that led to the Broncos' loss, it was more of an indication of what this Chargers team is under Harbaugh.

The Chargers put together one of the most dominant halves of football in recent team history in the first half. Justin Herbert and the passing offense finally found its rhythm while the defensive side of the ball fired on all cylinders despite the injuries on that side of the ball.

Simply put, this was a game where the Chargers took advantage of any mistake the Broncos made while not making any mistakes themselves. That is the staple of Harbaugh football. Do your job, do it well, and don't make any mistakes.

Payton is undoubtedly one of the better head coaches in the NFL but the Chargers would not have been in as good of a situation with him at the helm. Denver had to trade draft capital to get Payton out of his New Orleans Saints contract, which was not necessary when hiring Harbaugh.

So not only did the Chargers hire a coach who many fans would agree is better, but the team hired that coach without having to jump through any extra hoops.

If there were any doubts about who the second-best head coach in the AFC West is behind Andy Reid there should not be anymore. And while we are at it, the Chargers also firmly established themselves as the second-best team in the division as well.