Chiefs-Chargers: Los Angeles leads 10-0 in the second quarter

In Week 4 of the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs hope to extend their record to 4-0 – and while they’re at it, win comfortably for the first time in the 2024 season. But they have to do that against the Los Angeles Chargers in their home country, where they haven’t lost since 2013 – but where they have also achieved the last five wins by a point difference.

First quarter

The Chargers won the first coin toss and postponed their decision until the second half. That gave Kansas City the ball to start the game on a touchback at the 30-yard line.

The Chiefs got momentum early when quarterback Patrick Mahomes found tight end Travis Kelce down the right sideline for 38 yards on third down. However, rookie running back Carson Steele fumbled on the next play, giving Los Angeles possession deep at its own 26-yard line.

Los Angeles used the running game to shorten the field, staying ahead of the hitters and avoiding third downs for the entire 10-play period. On second down in the red zone, quarterback Justin Herbert found rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey with safety Bryan Cook in coverage. The Chargers led 7-0 after their first drive.

Mahomes started the next drive with a throw to Kelce that ended in an interception. The return ended with a fumble that the Chiefs almost recovered, but the Chargers ended up gaining possession.

The Chiefs’ defense was aided by penalties to stifle the Chargers’ offense with a short field and prevent them from making a field goal. Los Angeles took the free kick to make it 10-0.

A negative day for Mahomes and the offense continued on their third drive. The unit went out of bounds three times, punctuated by a sack in which Mahomes had to hold on to the ball as the pocket collapsed. Kansas City was forced to put it away.

The Chiefs defense worked with a fumbled snap and a false start to set up their next drive. There was a second deficit with 21 yards to go at the end of the first quarter.

Second quarter

The Chiefs’ pass rush took advantage of the third-and-long opportunity to fire up Herbert; Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah interfered with the quarterback’s throw and caused an incompletion. The Chargers had to return to Kansas City.

Running back Kareem Hunt got his first carry in his return to the Chiefs and gained nine yards on a first and long. The Chiefs were unable to take advantage of this; On third-and-short, a quick pass to wide receiver Skyy Moore went through his hands, causing an incomplete end to the drive.

The Chargers’ offense backed themselves up with multiple dunks and dunks to advance to third-and-short – but the Chiefs’ defense stopped them there. Defensive tackle Chris Jones disrupted the line and cornerback Jaylen Watson broke the tackle at the line of scrimmage.

Kansas City got the offense going with strong runs from Kareem Hunt and Samaje Perine and then passed to Kelce. The Chiefs worked their way into Los Angeles territory, but then got into third-and-long; The Chargers overran Mahomes, which led to a disappointing punt with five minutes left.

Injuries

Wide receiver Rashee Rice left the game on a cart with a knee injury and was later ruled out.

Special teams

Punter Matt Araiza’s first punt traveled 53 yards and was downed at the Chargers’ 19-yard line. His second punt was fairly caught at the six-yard line.