Ah, Chargers vs Chiefs – plus a good old prime time flex. Sounds like a great Sunday night to me. However, it doesn’t take much research to notice that many pundits are counting the Chargers out. And, rightfully so. What us fans have seen this year hasn’t exactly been the most awe-inspiring. Yet… when you have a generational talent like Justin Herbert behind center – you can’t help but have a shimmer of hope. The only problem is, there’s just as talented a quarterback on the other side. Will the Chargers pull off the upset?
That’s a tough one. But can they? Of course.
The Case for the Chargers
The word on the ESPN sized block is that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are most likely playing – and in case you’ve been living under a rock this season, that impact is glaringly obvious. Hell, even without just Keenan Allen, the Chargers offense looked like a chicken with its head cut off.
But will that be enough? Sort of…
Why They Can Do It
You see, all this matchup really boils down to is… who can score the most points. That’s it. Sure, one can argue that it’s about defensive preparation, scheming, and matchups. But, really – no matter how you line up, scheme, or attack Patrick Mahomes – he’s going to find a way to put points up on the board.
That’s just a fact.
First and foremost – look no further than Week 2. On top of that, I’ll cite last week’s game against San Francisco as proof. The Chargers defense wasn’t flawless – but it was damn good enough to win the game. Only, the offense was the one who dropped the ball… literally. Have the Bolts had scored even one of their goose-egg drives, it would’ve been a whole different ball game.
However, there is ONE player the Chargers need to stop.
No, contrary to popular belief, his name is NOT Patrick Mahomes. It’s Travis Kelce. The biggest Chargers fan there is – and not because he’s a supporter, but because he puts up monster numbers against the Bolts on a consistent basis. To be fair, the guy puts up monster numbers against ANYONE he plays – but against the Chargers, his big plays always seem to come in the biggest moments.
So, what can the Chargers do to win?
How They Can Do It
Air the ball out, stretch the field with the offense, and double team the crap out of Travis Kelce. Sure, the Chargers have one of the best matchups against 87 you could hope for in Derwin James – but it’s been proven on more than one account that it just doesn’t work. You can live with Kadarius Toney or Marquez Valdes-Scantling beating you. Not Kelce… again.
On offense, you do what works best – use Keenan Allen for the 5-10 yard in’s and slants, which opens up the field for Mike Williams’ 10-25 yard crosses and posts. Guess what else that’ll open up? The newly emerged (who would’ve thought) rushing/screen attack of Austin Ekeler! Wow, if only you could imagine the Chargers actually using their weapons! Well, as sarcastic as that was – the truth lays even for our all-world QB, who the entire country can see is being neglected and misused by Joe Lombardi. Now, of course, injuries DO affect the game plan and play calling – but now, there’s no excuses.
So, do I think the Chargers will win?
Will They Do It?
I do, wholeheartedly and only (admittedly) a little biased – that is, if Allen and Williams do end up playing. If not, I’d give them a more realistic chance at winning – which is next to nothing, but not impossible. The Chargers have proven themselves to be a worthy opponent of the Chiefs the past few years – and as a fan, it’s one that’s always thrilling to watch… aside from the usual result. This Sunday, in the newly flexed prime time slot, I think if the Brandon Staley & Joe Lombardi have heard anything the NFL pundits have been saying, and the players come out with a will to win like they did last Sunday – the odds increase drastically.
And, after all, 6-4 sounds a whole lot better than 5-5. A playoff push becomes much, much easier, too. Here’s to hoping that wishful thinking turns into spirited effort and intentional game planning. If it does, the season immediately gets a whole lot more interesting…
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