The Los Angeles Chargers faced off against the reigning AFC West Champion Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night. This was an important matchup for the two rivals to make a statement across the league and there are a lot of takeaways in the result. Los Angeles started off hot holding onto a ten point lead late into the 3rd quarter, but the Chiefs ultimately prevailed. The final score ending with a Kansas City victory, 27-24, over the Bolts.
Here are five takeaways from the matchup in Arrowhead
Takeaway 1. Situational play calling needs to improve
Offensive play calling is a takeaway that seems to have rolled over from week 1. In two straight weeks the Chargers have gone up by ten or more points early in the games only to have the lead cut out of no where. There was one play specifically, arguably the play that cost them the game that put this problem on full display. With the game tied at 17-17, Lombardi decided to run a hurry up play on first and goal. Gerald Everett appeared to be either injured, or just gassed and was all but begging to be replaced. Herbert snapped the ball and immediately targeted Everett in the end zone. The ball was intercepted by rookie Corner Jaylen Watson and returned 99 yards for a touchdown.
Another problem the Chargers faced was the inability to make in game adjustments. Mike Williams was a huge contributor to this offense early in the game. But, after he caught an incredible one handed touchdown the Chiefs took him out of the game entirely. Williams did not see another target for the rest of the game. This resulted in the next five Chargers drives ending in either a punt, or the defensive score. The Chargers need to be able to make in game adjustments when their stars start getting erased from the offensive plan.
Takeaway 2. Chargers need to run the ball more
There is no doubt that the Chargers have one of the most high powered offenses in football. From the air to the ground the team is loaded with superstars like Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler. One problem with this offense so far this year is that they seem to give up on the run early in games. Only running the ball on 11 of the 31 plays in the first half, the coaching staff is relying on Herbert to be Superman throughout these games, putting the team on his back when it is not necessary.
Takeaway 3. Defense will be scary when small mistakes get cleaned up
While they had some issues, this new and improved defense had the Chiefs playing from behind for a majority of the game. However, the unit did have its fair share of mistakes. On three different occasions there were game changing interceptions that were called back due to penalty. There were also a number of times where second year Defensive Back Asante Samuel dropped interceptions that would have crushed the momentum the Chiefs seemed to be building. The pass rush was effective, and the secondary was in the right spot at the right time consistently in this game. If they can turn those drops into turnovers the final result of this game would have been much different.
Takeaway 4. Justin Herbert’s mental toughness is a testament to his leadership
‘Down seven, the Chargers attempt to mount a comeback drive with under six minutes left to go. Herbert connected with Gerald Everett on a 3rd and 2 as he was hit. You could probably hear the air being sucked out of each and every Charger’s fans living rooms across the nation. Herbert was down and not getting up. After suffering what has now been reported per Brandon Staley as a rib cartilage fracture, he only missed one play where backup Chase Daniel’s came in to hand the ball off. Herbert went back out onto the field as soon as he could and you could tell something was wrong.
Upon Herbert’s return it was easy to see that this injury was causing him some problems. Throwing off target passes, and one pass that was almost intercepted by Nick Bolton. He also attempted to run the ball himself on a 3rd and 1 situation, but was physically unable to make the play, throwing the ball away to stop the clock. Shortly after, he connected with Deandre Carter with a beautiful 35 yard dart to land them inside the 10 yard line. Capping off the drive with a touchdown to Receiver Josh Palmer to put the Chargers within a field goal. It is incredibly concerning watching your franchise Quarterback go down the way he did. But, Chargers fans should rest easy after seeing the mental toughness Herbert displayed to keep the team on his back and do everything he could to give them a fighting chance.
Fractured ribs and still insane. pic.twitter.com/6bdAq9HhR2
— David Oliver (@BoltMan173) September 17, 2022
Takeaway 5. Offensive line depth is concerning
Last week we talked about how the Right Tackle issue the Charger’s dealt with last season was solved. This week it was very obvious that the depth of this Offensive Line is an issue in itself. All-Pro Center Corey Linsley exited the game in the first half with an apparent knee injury. The Chargers were averaging 8.18 air yards per attempt while Linsley was on the field. After Linsley left for the remainder of the game, those numbers dropped down to a meager 3.1 AY/att showing just how important the cornerstone of this Offensive Line is.
Later, in the second half the Chargers suffered another devastating injury. Newly appointed Right Tackle Trey Pipkins went down with an ankle injury. Chargers fan’s dreaded this day because that meant that the turnstile himself, Storm Norton, would have to come in and play. With the replacement linemen now in the game, they were no match for the Chiefs pass rush.
Justin Herbert is reportedly day to day with a rib cartilage fracture. Luckily, the Chargers have a mini bye week after playing in the Thursday night game. This will hopefully give the former Duck enough time to rest while the Chargers wait to make a decision on Wednesday. The Chargers will host Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 3.
Check out the Keys to Victory we laid out headed into Thursdays matchup! https://gridironheroics.com/los-angeles-chargers-travel-into-arrowhead-on-a-short-week/