No standing pat for Chargers

'It's do or die': Ahead of wild-card showdown, they know they can't underestimate 14-3 New England

- By Benjamin Royer

Photographs by ERIC THAYER Los Angeles Times CHARGERS fullback Scott Matlock, left, wide receiver Tre' Harris and running back Kimani Vidal celebrate a touchdown in October.

The Chargers' mindset hasn't wavered since Week 1.

Coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert insisted that it's business as usual for the Chargers ahead of their AFC wild-card showdown against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday night.

But rookie wide receiver Tre' Harris can't help but feel some change, even if just so slightly knowing that a loss means back-to-back seasons under Harbaugh, without a playoff win.

"Everybody a little bit more locked in," Harris said.

"Everybody's staying a couple more hours after meetings and things like that.

Cleaning up things, making sure everything's dotted.

That's what playoff football." comes with Harris referenced a "wise words" speech linebacker Daiyan Henley made at the end of practice Thursday as an example of the communication veteran players and coaches are extending to younger players on the team.