After last week’s 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Los Angeles Chargers now sit at 4-3. It’s not a disaster, but it’s not where Jim Harbaugh wanted to be either. So, Thursday night’s clash against the Minnesota Vikings is very crucial. One more loss could tip the scales in the wrong direction, while a win could flip the script. And if HC Harbaugh gets that win, he’ll make history, tying a 52-year-old NFL record.

The “60-60 club” is one of the most historic feats in the NFL: winning 60 games as a quarterback and then 60 games as a head coach. And with the Chargers’ head coach being 66-74 as a QB1 and 59-28-1 as a head coach, Harbaugh is just one win away from matching Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin. It was back in 1973 when Van Brocklin became the first and only member of the 60-60 club.

However, this week, it’s not just about legacy. It’s about survival, too. Beat the Vikings, and the Chargers get their momentum back. Lose, and this season could spiral fast, especially for HC Jim Harbaugh.

Jim Harbaugh is in a tough spot

Jim Harbaugh had a great start to the season, but then they lost the momentum. However, after winning three consecutive games, the Chargers have lost three of their last four games. Injuries have played their part, no doubt. The running back room looks thin, and the offensive line isn’t holding up like it used to.

RB Najee Harris is out for the season with an Achilles injury, and RB Omarion Hampton is also on injured reserve with an ankle problem. That leaves RB Kimani Vidal as the only healthy back on the roster. And to make matters tougher, reports say Hassan Haskins (hamstring) won’t suit up for Thursday night’s game either. That’s a nightmare scenario for any coach, especially one trying to keep a playoff push alive.

The trenches tell the same tale. With Rashawn Slater done for the season and Joe Alt sidelined by a high-ankle sprain, this offensive line has been a revolving door. They rank 28th in pass-block win rate and have allowed 18 sacks, tied for the fifth-most in the league. The protection problems are real still, but Harbaugh hasn’t lost faith.

“I think our offensive line has done a great job battling,” he said while addressing the offensive performance.

But now, next week becomes make-or-break for him. Can he flip the script against the odds? Only time will tell.