Los Angeles Chargers (5-12) – Kansas City Chiefs (11-6): 12-13
In a match without stakes and without real interest, the Chiefs sadly defeated the Chargers (12-13). Blaine Gabbert (15/30, 154 yards, 1INT) did not have to do much to score the few points sufficient to win. Kansas City mainly relied on its defense.
A defeat like the Chargers' season. The locals gained more yards, more first downs. They also had the ball the longest and made the most passes in the red zone. Yet once again, Los Angeles lost due to a lack of precision and accuracy in execution. Luckily the holidays are coming for them…
Thank you defense
In a match with no stakes other than highlighting some of the substitutes, it was the Chiefs who struck first.
As often this season, it is Kansas City's defense that shines. On his 3 yards, the defense causes a fumble that Mike Edwards recovers and transforms into a 97-yard touchdown (0-7).
After a multitude of punts (5), the visitors increase their lead with a field goal (0-10). A series which had progressed well over a
deep reception from Mecole Hardman (6rec, 77 yards).
However, the Chargers gradually returned to the match. First on offense, Easton Stick (28/47, 258 yards, 77 yards rushing) manages to move the chains. The offensive series are well constructed and the yards accumulate. But the team remains limited and twice comes up against the opposing camp. The locals then settle for a field goal (6-10). In the meantime, the defense had added its part to the building by intercepting Blaine Gabbert.
Then maybe ?
The locals continue in the second half on the same line. The attack is moving forward but still has difficulty finishing. After a field goal to get back to 9-10, Los Angeles even got back in front on the scoreboard.
Over a series of 18 actions and 7 minutes of possession, Easton Stick's teammates missed (surprise!) the finish and had to take another kick. At 12-10 and for the first time ahead, the Californians can still believe in victory.
Except that in the following series, Gabbert did what was necessary to give his team victory. The quarterback notably made two runs (one of 25 and one of 14 yards) which ideally placed the Chiefs in opposing territory. A few actions later, the visitors scored a field goal to lead 13 to 12 with 45 seconds remaining in the match. Enough to win the gong.
Ultimately the best action of this match was undoubtedly Chris Jones' sack in the 3rd quarter. With this sack, the Chiefs defensive lineman reached 10.5 sacks this season. A level that allows him to earn a bonus of 1.25 million dollars! At least one happy to have played this match.
