The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers by a final score of 38-28 in Week 1. The Chargers made it interesting late, but this was a game where the Chiefs had control throughout. Beating a divisional opponent is always key, especially on the road. Starting off the season with a crucial victory against a divisional opponent? Really could not have gone any better for the Chiefs.
After jumping out to an early lead, the Chiefs never looked back. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Patrick Mahomes showed that he is more than capable of quarterbacking an NFL offense, silencing all of his critics.
The Chargers have been talked about as a legitimate contender, with some experts selecting them as the AFC’s representative in the Super Bowl. However, on the day, the Chiefs looked much more the part of a contender.
Both teams showed strengths and weaknesses in their knock-down, drag-out fight. All in all, neither team played much defense, but there are multiple reasons for their respective defensive woes. Regardless, a shootout was not the most anticipated of outcomes for today’s game.
Things went as planned for the Kansas City offense. Despite losing offensive coordinator Matt Nagy in the offseason, the Chiefs offense did not seem to miss him. Andy Reid coached circles around the Chargers’ Anthony Lynn, and showed just why his Chiefs teams have won nine consecutive games against the Chiefs.
It is only Week 1, so there is obviously still some rust and schematic concepts being ironed out. However, one team seemed much more cohesive than the other.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from the Chiefs’ impressive victory over the Chargers.
Next: No. 3
