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.
No QB is coming out with a rib injury.
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) September 16, 2022
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."
Best thing you can say about that one is we got out with the W. Some issues that worry me but it’s early in the year and I don’t rush to judgement too early
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) September 16, 2022
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Fourth Quarter
Fighting Through the Pain, Herbert Gives L.A. a Shot
Justin Herbert is unbelievable. @chargers cut the deficit to three! @Flowercitysown #TNFonPrime #LACvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/Fa02SqPmRn pic.twitter.com/mMob7e1uPc— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2022
What a Throw Despite the Injury
Justin Herbert threads the needle! 🎯#LACvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/Fa02SqPmRn pic.twitter.com/oIW6Ab4jmT— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2022
How about that toughness and throw from Justin Herbert.
— Rich Gannon (@RichGannon12) September 16, 2022
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.
Listen to the man. https://t.co/oZyuFcxNsH
— DocFlynn (@DocFlynnNFL) September 16, 2022
Great play by Herbert. But dang now he’s hurt. Don’t want to see that
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) September 16, 2022
Jaylen Watson With a Stunner
UNREAL. 7th-round rookie @JaylenWatson12 just went 99 yards for a Pick-6! 🔥 #ChiefsKingdom #LACvsKC on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/Fa02SqPmRn pic.twitter.com/b2f4GIup1G— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2022
Got to say I was surprised they went tempo. Not sure why you needed to. Ekeler whiffed on Willie (nice move by him) and the pressure forced Herbert into a mistake
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) September 16, 2022
Three years ago, Jaylen Watson was working at a Wendy's while he was trying to find somewhere to continue playing football.
Tonight, he has a 99-yard INT of Justin Herbert in his 2nd career NFL game.
Perseverance would be an understatement.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 16, 2022