Los Angeles Chargers: Why they’ll beat the Chiefs in Week 1
By Tyler Schoon
The Chiefs have exorcised Rivers’ demons for him
Through some form of good fortune, the Chiefs have either shipped or cut some of their most impactful defensive veterans. And Rivers should be jumping for joy.
A unit that terrorized No. 17 last season and forced six of his turnovers will be without Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson and Marcus Peters, three former Pro-Bowlers that have either sacked or intercepted the Chargers quarterback for years. The return of Eric Berry and additions of Kendall Fuller and Anthony Hitchens will make up for much of what was lost, but Rivers should feel much more comfortable navigating the field.
In both games last season, the Chargers defense was able to hold Alex Smith and the Chiefs to only 17 points in halves Rivers did not throw an interception and put his teammates in a tough spot. If he can have success and feel at ease lining up against less-crafty and less experienced veterans, he may be able to have his way on offense and give his defense a chance to do what they do best.
Patrick Mahomes versus the Chargers defense
There’s no doubt in my mind that Mahomes will go on to quarterback the Chiefs to success, possibly even into the postseason. But for one game, the first game of the season no less, I believe the Chargers have enough to eliminate the passing attack. What do you do with the defense that ranked third against the pass in 2017? Hand them a shiny new Derwin James, who may be the most gifted defensive back on the roster in a backfield of corners that include three of the top 20 corners in the NFL.
Mahomes, given only one official start for one half of the last game of the season, scored no touchdowns, was picked off once, took two sacks, and posted a 61.8 QBR against a Denver Broncos defense that has similar defensive back talent to that of the Chargers. Even if he’s legit, I have a hard time imagining that in the first game of his first season as an official starter he’s ready for the most talented defense in the NFL at every position designated to terrorize the passer.