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The San Diego Chargers have been in "playoff mode" since the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Chargers in San Diego on Dec. 1. San Diego had fallen to 5-7 but they weren't quite out just yet. They beat the New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders and capped their four-game winning streak with an overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs. And the win against the Broncos was in Denver (though a Thursday night game).
"I feel like we've been in a playoff mindset for a few weeks now," quarterback Philip Rivers said earlier this week.
Chargers head coach Mike McCoy gave a strong speech to an enthusiastic Chargers looker room following their qualification into the postseason, which also required losses by the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins in week 17.
Marvin Lewis watched it. He showed it to his players, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Marvin Lewis showed his players video of Mike McCoy's post-game locker room speech. Wanted them to know what they were up against.
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) January 1, 2014
If you watch the video, there was a last-minute "Who Dey". Instead of pouring gasoline on a fire that already exists in Cincinnati's gut, we're assuming that he (Philip Rivers?) was appreciative of Cincinnati's efforts to eliminate the Baltimore Ravens from the playoffs, opening the door for San Diego.