Chiefs’ keys vs. Chargers: Here are their keys to improving to 2-0 Sunday in L.A.
The Chiefs (1-0) kick off divisional play on the road in Week 2 with a matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) at L.A.’s new SoFi Stadium.
The Chiefs hold a 63-56-1 edge in the all-time series and it’s been lopsided in the Chiefs’ favor in recent history.
Over the past 12 games, the Chiefs have won 11 times. A victory Sunday would give the Chiefs a 2-0 start to a regular season for a fourth straight year under coach Andy Reid.
Here are four key areas to monitor for the Chiefs, as they continue their defense of a Super Bowl championship.
TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS
On paper, this is a matchup the Chiefs should win ... and the odds makers agree, installing KC as an 8.5-point favorite.
If the Chiefs come out firing like they did in their impressive season-opening win over the Houston Texans, a playoff-caliber team, securing a win is certainly within reach.
The Chargers are coming off an uninspiring 16-13 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and rookie quarterback Joe Burrow. And the Chargers had to sweat it out late in the fourth quarter when the Bengals missed a potential game-tying field goal attempt that would’ve sent the contest to overtime.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs looked every part of champions in Week 1 with an impressive showing on offense, defense and special teams over a Deshaun Watson-led Texans team. Rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire dazzled in his debut, racking up 138 yards rushing and a touchdown on 25 carries, while the defense stymied the Texans’ offense until midway though the fourth quarter, when the outcome of the game was already determined.
Going back to last season, the Chiefs have won 10 straight, including the postseason — streak that started with a 24-17 victory against the Chargers in Mexico City on Nov. 18, 2019.
There’s a risk the Chiefs get caught flatfooted with a Week 3 showdown looming against the Baltimore Ravens, but this team is coached well and should be focused on the task at hand.
CONTAIN EKELER
It will be strange to not see Philip Rivers under center for the Chargers. He’s now with the Colts. Instead, the Chiefs will contend with Tyrod Taylor, a dual-threat quarterback.
But make no mistake about the Chargers’ offense heading into Week 2: They’ll seek to get their ground game going with Austin Ekeler.
With Melvin Gordon now in Denver, Ekeler is the clear No. 1 option in the Chargers’ backfield. He totaled 84 yards on 19 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per carry, against the Bengals and received help from Joshua Kelly’s 60 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. As a team, the Chargers piled up 155 yards on the ground.
They will to duplicate that effort Sunday in hopes of keeping the ball out of the hands of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The best way to stuff that potential strategy is to stop Ekeler cold in his tracks, force punts and let the Chiefs’ explosive offense do its thing.
CHIEFS’ O-LINE VS. L.A. PASS RUSH
The Chiefs’ offensive line excelled last week in controlling the line of scrimmage. They will need to duplicate that effort against a formidable pass-rush duo in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.
Bosa’s triceps injury will be watched closely, as he didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday. But if he’s healthy to play Sunday, look out.
Bosa, an elite pass rusher, is capable of taking over a contest by himself. He had five tackles, a sack and three quarterback hits last week. Ingram chipped in with two tackles, an interception and a pass defensed.
That said, the Chiefs won’t face anything new along the Chargers’ front. There’s a lot of familiarity here given the teams’ divisional ties, so tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz know they’re in for a busy day.
STEP UP IN PASS COVERAGE
With Charvarius Ward dealing with a fractured hand, the Chiefs are suddenly thin at the cornerback position. Ward’s injury comes as starting right cornerback Bashaud Breeland continues to serve a four-game suspension to start the season.
If Ward can’t play, keep an eye on Chargers pass-catchers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Williams was targeted a team-high nine times in Week 1, while Allen saw eight passes thrown his way. The duo combined for eight catches and 106 yards, Williams averaging a healthy 17.3 yards per reception.
Chiefs cornerbacks Rashad Fenton, Antonio Hamilton and rookie L’Jarius Sneed, who enjoyed a steller debut in Week 1, will need to rise to the occasion again.
