NFL Analysis

9/15/22

5 min read

Chargers vs. Chiefs Week 2: Live Updates, Highlights and News

Chiefs Defeat Chargers 27-24 in Dramatic Fashion

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 27-24 on Thursday Night Football. The Chiefs secured their victory on a massive interception returned for a touchdown by rookie Jaylen Watson. It wasn't the explosive, high-scoring affair many expected. But the Thursday night AFC West matchup maintained a high level of excitement and intrigue all the way to the end.

On the key interception, tight end Gerald Everett tried to signal to come off the field but had to stay on. At the end of his route, he seemed to float away, allowing Watson to intercept the pass. Former NFL head coach Mike Martz said "no need to go uptempo, [Everett] was gassed...quit. Never give position to the ball!" Former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon also said "both QB and WR at fault. [Herbert] can't not see throws in that part of the field."

Surprisingly, the Chiefs' defense kept them in this game. They only allowed the Chargers to convert five of their sixteen third downs and three of their five red zone opportunities. The Chargers mounted a drive in the final few minutes of the game to draw within three points again. Justin Herbert suffered an injury to his ribs or midsection on the prior drive and looked very hurt. However, in a close game, his team desperately needed him.

But after the touchdown, the Chargers failed to recover the final onside kick, giving the Chiefs their second win of the season.

The Chiefs' offense was not as dominant as they were against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. Mike Martz remarked that "Mahomes [looked] frustrated by [the Chargers'] pass rush" and suggested that the Chiefs "run more, chip, the ends and get the ball to Kelce." Former NFL All-Pro and Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz added that "KC [was] playing conservatively and not executing when running [their] 'normal' offense."

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Fourth Quarter

Fighting Through the Pain, Herbert Gives L.A. a Shot

What a Throw Despite the Injury

Herbert Shaken Up

As the Los Angeles Chargers were attempting a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Justin Herbert was injured on a hit by Kansas City's Mike Danna. Herbert remained down on the field grabbing his side, but was able to walk off under his own power shortly after, and quickly returned to the game after backup Chase Daniel took one snap. He appeared to be in visible pain when taking a hit from Frank Clark on his first snap back in, and continued to show signs of discomfort on subsequent drives.

Jaylen Watson With a Stunner


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