Patrick Mahomes, in his 100th regular-season start, faced early adversity as the Kansas City Chiefs trailed the Los Angeles Chargers 10-0 just over 11 minutes into the game. Despite this deficit, Mahomes remained calm, confident there was ample time to recover. He finished the game with 245 passing yards and a touchdown while reestablishing his connection with star tight end Travis Kelce.
However, Mahomes credited the Chiefs’ defense as the key to their 17-10 comeback victory, highlighting their ability to keep the team in the game while waiting for the offense to find its rhythm. The Chiefs are now 4-0 for the first time since 2020.
Kansas City’s defense played a crucial role, particularly as they stifled the Chargers’ offense during the second half. Despite early turnovers, including a Mahomes interception and a fumble recovery by the Chargers, the Chiefs’ defense held strong. Los Angeles struggled to generate offense, going three-and-out on four of their last eight possessions.
A pivotal moment occurred in the fourth quarter when the Chargers failed to score on a fourth-and-1 play from the Kansas City 3-yard line, pressured by Chiefs defenders Chris Jones and Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
The Chiefs also had to contend with the loss of wide receiver Rashee Rice to a knee injury in the first quarter. Nevertheless, Kansas City’s offense gradually found its footing. Samaje Perine’s 2-yard touchdown run midway through the fourth quarter gave the Chiefs a lead they would not relinquish.
Kelce, who had seven receptions for 89 yards, broke the franchise record for career receptions, previously held by Tony Gonzalez. Mahomes connected with six different receivers, with Xavier Worthy hauling in a 54-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.
On the Chargers’ side, quarterback Justin Herbert, dealing with a high ankle sprain and a banged-up offensive line, struggled after a strong start. He completed all his passes in the first quarter but finished the game with just 16 completions on 27 attempts.
He was sacked twice by Chris Jones and hit 10 times in total, as Kansas City’s defense capitalized on the Chargers’ injuries and communication issues on the offensive line. Despite Herbert’s early touchdown pass to Ladd McConkey, the Chargers’ running game was stifled, managing only 55 rushing yards and averaging just 2.3 yards per carry.
The game was a test of resilience for the Chiefs, who overcame a slow offensive start and two turnovers to secure their sixth consecutive win over the Chargers. Kansas City’s defense stepped up when it mattered most, preventing the Chargers from taking advantage of key opportunities. As Mahomes and Kelce led the offense, the Chiefs’ defense kept pressure on Herbert, sealing the victory and maintaining their early dominance in the AFC West.
