Chargers cruise past Colts to secure first playoff berth since 2018.

 INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Derwin James Jr. of the Los Angeles Chargers pumped his fist while bouncing in a Santa hat as head coach Brandon Staley wrapped his arm around owner Dean Spanos and presented him with a game ball.

"I've wanted to give him a game ball since I got here," Staley exclaimed. "He's been very patient. He's made an investment in this team. Dean Spanos has brought us all together... game ball, playoff appearance."

After defeating the struggling Indianapolis Colts 20-3 on Monday night, Spanos, Staley, and the Bolts had plenty to celebrate in the visitor's locker room at Lucas Oil Field.

The Chargers will return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, having clinched a spot after improving to 9-6 with two games remaining in the regular season.

"I'm not good at speeches, but I'm so proud of all of you guys," Spanos said as the players applauded. "I know we have a long way to go, but we're on a good leg right now, so let's do it."

The Chargers entered Week 16 with a clear path to the playoffs after jumping to the No. 6 seed with a win over the Titans on December 18.

"I've been here long enough to know that when it comes, it's a great feeling," said Keenan Allen, a 10-year veteran of the Chargers, amid bumping music and dancing teammates. "Control what you can control, we say all the time. And this week, we could control our own destiny and make it a reality."

Sebastian Joseph-Day, who won a Super Bowl with the Rams last season, stated: "It's incredible and indescribable... But it's not the end. We only have two games left, and we need to keep this train moving."

It will be Staley's and Herbert's first postseason appearance, with the third-year quarterback completing 24 of 31 passes for 235 yards and an interception on Monday night.

"It'll be a lot of fun," he says.

"This is only the beginning. This is not our ultimate goal "Staley narrowly missed the playoffs in his first season as coach after losing to the Raiders in Week 18 – a tie or win would have sent the Bolts to the postseason. "We have two more games against really good teams, and we need to play our best football to not only make the playoffs but to make a run to a Super Bowl championship, which is our goal."

After bolstering their defense, the Bolts were among the favorites to not only make the playoffs but to go deep in them.

Khalil Mack was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Bears.

On defense, the Bolts lost edge rusher Joey Bosa, as well as Jackson and Johnson, to injury. Bosa could still return, but the team is getting into its stride.

"So many people have had a hand in this, and that's the beautiful thing," Joseph-Day said, after mentioning rookie kicker Cameron Dicker, who has two game-winning field goals this season and return specialist DeAndre Carter. "A lot of guys stepped up, and I believe that's where a lot of the growth comes from."

The Chargers limited Nick Foles to 17-of-29 passing for 143 yards and three interceptions while sacking him seven times. On third down, the Colts were 0 for 10.

"We have the makeup to withstand the kind of season we've had. I believe we would not be here if it weren't for our football team's toughness and the composition of our football team "Staley stated. "For far too long, people have focused on the talent of this football team and organization, but talent alone will not get you where you want to go. You have to prove your toughness, and that's what we've done so far this year: we have a mentally and physically tough enough football team to be where we are right now."

The Chargers host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in their final home game of the season.