Chiefs 17-10 Chargers (September 29, 2024) Game Recap

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Patrick Mahomes has played through a variety of situations in his 100 regular-season starts.

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs had lost 10-0 to the Los Angeles Chargers just over 11 minutes into Sunday’s game, Mahomes knew there was still plenty of time to get back on his feet.

On a day in which he rushed for 245 yards and a touchdown while rediscovering his connection with Travis Kelce, Mahomes credited his defense as the key reason the Chiefs, the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, cruised to a 17-10 victory won and are 4-0 for the first time since 2020.

“We didn’t play well. But I think the best thing is that no one is talking about it and they’re starting now, but our defense is really good,” said Mahomes, who completed 19 of 29 passes. “They know how to close the door and keep us in the game. Then they believe that the offense will find a way to score enough points at the end.”

Kansas City has won six straight times against the Chargers. It also has 11 straight road wins against its AFC West rival, the longest active winning streak by a visiting team and third all-time.

“I’m proud of our boys for hanging in there. “It could have easily gone in a different direction, but the boys supported each other,” said coach Andy Reid.

The Chiefs bounced back after losing wide receiver Rashee Rice suffered a possible season-ending knee injury in the first quarter. Rice was hit by Mahomes while both players were chasing Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton during an interception return.

Seven minutes later, Samaje Perine gave Kansas City the lead with a 2-yard touchdown run up the middle.

Xavier Worthy had three catches for 73 yards, including receptions a 54-yard pass from Mahomes in the second quarter for the Chiefs’ first touchdown.

Kansas City’s defense also took advantage of a disabled Herbert, who played with limited mobility due to a high ankle sprain and had an inconsistent offensive line due to injuries to tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.

“We were able to get some pressure there in the second quarter and second half and get those guys going,” linebacker Drue Tranquill said. “We knew they were a little banged up on the O line and there might be communication and chemistry issues. We were able to take advantage of that as we progressed.”

Herbert was sacked twice by Jones and hit 10 times on 31 dropbacks. He completed all seven passes in the first quarter but was 9 of 20 the rest of the way.

“They do a good job of tracking the passer. We expected that, we knew that, and I thought we were preparing for it,” said Herbert, who was 16 of 27 for 179 yards with a touchdown. “I thought the offense did a great job of stepping up, blocking and doing everything they needed to do, but it’s definitely on us to get better.”

After Steele’s fumble, Herbert completed all four of his passes on Los Angeles’ first 10-play drive, including a 7-yard strike to Ladd McConkey in the back of the end zone. Herbert took a hard hit from Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring while throwing, but he got the ball into a tight spot when safety Bryan Cook had his back turned.

Cameron Dicker’s 50-yard field goal extended the Chargers’ lead to 10-0. The drive began after Fulton intercepted Mahomes’ pass intended for Kelce and returned it 29 yards down the right sideline.

Rice knocked the ball loose behind Fulton and Chiefs center Creed Humphrey recovered. However, a video review showed Rice was out of bounds when he forced the fumble, allowing LA to retain possession.

Kansas City had two turnovers and took the lead three times on four of its first five possessions before getting back on track late in the second quarter.

The Chiefs took the lead at their 46 after forcing the Chargers into a three-pointer, and Mahomes immediately connected with Worthy for the deep touchdown. Worthy, the speedy rookie receiver who was the 28th overall pick in April’s draft, swept past Fulton on a go route and caught him 3 yards deep in the end zone after a pass from Mahomes that went 64 yards in the air .

Midway through the third quarter, Harrison Butker’s 37-yard field goal made it 10-1.

Next

Chiefs: Next Sunday at the Minnesota Vikings.

Chargers: After a bye, visit Denver on October 14th.

——

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL