In a meeting generally dominated by the Chargers, Patrick Mahomes and his family found the resources to win.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) – Los Angeles Chargers (1-1): 27-24
When you want to beat the Chiefs at the Arrowhead, you have to play a perfect game. Justin Herbert knows it, he who posted a record of 2 wins for no defeat in this stadium before this meeting. Unfortunately for the pitcher, his team made a few small mistakes that proved fatal. Starting with him in attack with an interception launched in the fourth quarter, while the score is tied (17-17) and Los Angeles is within 3 opposing yards.
A returned ball for a touchdown from 99 yards from Jaylen Watson which gives Kansas City the advantage for the first time in the game. But the errors did not come only from the attack and the defense also has its share of responsibility. The squad put a lot of pressure on Patrick Mahomes, without managing to capitalize.
How a go-ahead Pick-6 in the 4th quarter looks at Arrowhead Stadium. 🎥💪#LACvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/Fa02SqOP1P pic.twitter.com/7d3wzVxaQ7— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2022
Justin Herbert injured
Twice, the Californian defenders must intercept the opposing quarterback on approximate passes or altered by the pass-rush. Asante Samuel Jr can for example tip the match in the first period on an almost ready-made interception. Instead, the Chiefs get away with it every time. Better, they often score in stride. As on these touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes to Jerick McKinnon from 9 yards and Justin Watson from 41 yards. However, we can not say that Los Angeles is picking up. On the contrary.
MAHOMES TO WATSON FOR SIX 🙌#LACvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/Fa02SqPmRn pic.twitter.com/RkY8KyfhFd— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2022
Los Angeles even leads 0-10 after 15 minutes. Without Keenan Allen, Justin Herbert distributes the swell and Mike Williams (8 receptions, 113 yards and 1 TD) as well as Austin Ekeler (14 races for 39 yards + 9 receptions for 55 yards) shine. Above all, he finds himself well protected by his offensive line. The problem is that the trend will be reversed as the meeting progresses.
Immaculate at the start of the match, the young quarterback finds himself more and more on the ground as the game progresses. Tickled, put under pressure, Herbert finished with 2 sacks, 8 QB Hits and an apparent rib injury after a violent tackle. The launcher also ends the game in great difficulty and it will be necessary to monitor his state of health. This does not prevent him from throwing a final touchdown at Joshua Palmer on 7 yards in the last seconds to make the score tighter than it was.
The Chiefs to experience
On the Chiefs side, the attack is less flamboyant than last week. Travis Kelce is well contained (5 receptions for 51 yards), notably by Derwin James, and Patrick Mahomes is regularly put under pressure. But the Chiefs return to the experience in this meeting by raising their level of play throughout the game. A “side arm” pass from the quarterback here, a run from Clyde Edwards-Helaire (8 attempts for 74 yards) there and the locals caught up with a 17-0 straddling the two halves.
So if, even when Andy Reid’s men do not exploit their 100% potential, they manage to win without too much difficulty, the season could be long for the opponents of the Chiefs. Next week, Patrick Mahomes and his gang will face the Colts for a game well within reach before traveling to Florida to meet the Buccaneers in the 2020 Super Bowl remake.
