What we learned about Chiefs (and a new addition) in victory vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Kansas City Chiefs probably feel like they already won last week’s trade with the New York Jets.
Just four days after he was re-acquired by KC, Mecole Hardman played a huge fourth-quarter role with a 50-yard punt return and critical third-down conversion, helping to lift the Chiefs to a 31-17 home victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Hardman was the biggest key to the Chiefs taking a commanding lead. His long punt return flipped the field to the Chiefs’ 35; then, on a third-and-6 in the red zone, he cradled a 6-yard catch from Patrick Mahomes to pick up a needed first down.
Isiah Pacheco scored on an 8-yard touchdown pass on the next play, pushing the Chiefs’ advantage to two scores with 3:35 left.
That tally actually broke a second-half stalemate, as KC’s defense played much better after the break.
With the win, the Chiefs moved themselves into a commanding position in the AFC West, now boasting a three-game lead over their next-closest competitor (Las Vegas Raiders).
KC’s offense was dominant before halftime while taking a 24-17 lead.
Mahomes was the catalyst, completing 20 of 23 passes for 321 yards ... in the first half alone. His primary target was tight end Travis Kelce, who had nine receptions for 143 yards and a score, his 50th career touchdown connection from Mahomes.
The Chargers remained competitive with help from explosive plays. Joshua Kelley had a 49-yard touchdown run, while Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert also caught the Chiefs with no safety help on a 60-yard deep pass to Joshua Palmer that set up another TD.
Defensive end Charles Omenihu made his Chiefs debut following a six-game suspension. He made an impact early, wrapping up Herbert for a second-quarter sack, then added a pass deflection in the third quarter, resulting in a L’Jarius Sneed interception.
KC’s defense came through with big plays in the second half to maintain that lead. Linebacker Nick Bolton had a run stuff on a third-and-3 to force a fourth-quarter punt; then on the next possession, Mike Edwards stepped in front of the Chargers’ Keenan Allen for a pass breakup on a third-and-7 to end another possession.
Mahomes finished 32 for 42 for 424 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. Kelce’s final line: 12 catches, 179 yards and a touchdown.
The Chiefs (6-1) will play at Denver at 3:25 p.m. Central on Sunday, Oct. 29.
This story was originally published October 22, 2023 at 6:24 PM.
