Kansas City Chiefs: 3 Big takeaways from loss vs. Chargers in Week 15
Chiefs unable to maintain
The Chiefs had a strong start to this Thursday night game. Leading through the first quarter, the Chiefs seemed primed to assert their dominance further in the AFC West. That even continued entering the second half, as fans saw the Chiefs stay steady and hold their lead throughout most of the second half.
Patrick Mahomes found himself under pressure in the third quarter by the Chargers defense, but he played well enough so that it was a 21-7 lead for Kansas City in the third quarter. That’s when it seemed as if the Chiefs let up a bit and allowed the Chargers creep back into the game. Be it because of sloppy offensive play, poor defense against Philip Rivers’ passing attack or defensive penalties, Los Angeles clawed their way back.
Late in the fourth quarter, Mahomes was sacked as the Chiefs were already backed up deep in their own territory. Even after a nice punt, the Chargers had time on the clock and a 60-yard field in front of them to try and tie or win the game. They chose the latter after a touchdown pass to Mike Williams as Rivers again found the wideout on the two-point try.
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Not only could the Chiefs not fend off the Chargers in Week 15, but now they are tied atop the AFC West. With only two weeks left in the regular season, this game’s result could have big implications, perhaps the difference between the No. 1 and No. 5 seeds in the AFC, for the Chiefs.