4. Chargers’ Defense Held Their Own

There may not be a team in the NFL that has consistently posed more issues for the Chiefs’ offense in the Patrick Mahomes era than the Chargers. This matchup was just the latest display of how Los Angeles can make things difficult for any offense.

Often times, Mahomes had to roll out of the pocket and to make something happen, even requiring pump fakes to create windows. The Chargers’ pass rush made a real impact and the secondary played tight pass coverage — often making things difficult for the Chiefs QB to take shots.

Mahomes ended up being the Chiefs’ leading rusher with 54 yards in this game due to the Chargers containing Clyde Edwards-Helaire — only adding to the level of impact required from the QB. There were situations when there was no choice but to take off due to the Chargers’ pass coverage.

When facing such an explosive offensive attack such as the Chiefs, limiting them to 20 points in regulation should be enough. At that point, it’s up to the offense to finish the job, which they failed to do in overtime after receiving the first possession.