Where are the happy returns for these Chiefs? And what to watch vs. LA Chargers?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs lack non-offensive touchdowns this season, hurting momentum and outcomes.
- Recent defensive and return TDs swung Chiefs games; absence has widened deficits.
- Watch Chiefs pass rush, Chargers' Herbert and rookies' rushing, plus Remigio.
As the Chiefs’ underachieving season continues, ill-timed penalties, dropped passes and turnovers are among this team’s most glaring flaws.
There are also some less obvious issues that have contributed to Kansas City’s 6-7 record heading into Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Like this: The Chiefs have four games remaining to record their first non-offensive touchdown this season. They have yet to score off a kickoff or punt return, interception, blocked punt or scooped fumble.
The last time the Chiefs went an entire season without scoring a non-offensive touchdown was 1988, when they finished 4-11-1.
Knowing the above, it’s logical to ask: How important have non-offensive TDs been in recent years, especially the defensive scores? Let’s find one from each of the past few seasons and consider the impact.
2024: In Week 2, the Cincinnati Bengals had the ball and a five-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Mike Danna and Tershawn Wharton sacked Joe Burrow and Wharton forced the ball out. Chamarri Conner returned the fumble 38 yards for a TD and KC won on Harrison Butker’s final-play field goal.
2023: Just before halftime in the Week 10 game at Frankfurt, Germany, the Dolphins, down 14-0, had driven to the Chiefs’ 30. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa completed a pass to Tyreek Hill. Trent McDuffie’s hit created a fumble that was recovered by Mike Edwards; he lateraled to Bryan Cook to complete the 59-yard touchdown in game the Chiefs won 21-14.
Also notable: In Week 18, Edwards returned a fumble 97 yards for the only touchdown in the Chiefs’ 13-12 victory at the Chargers.
2022: In Week 2 against the Chargers at home, Jaylen Watson intercepted Justin Herbert and returned it 99 yards for a fourth-quarter tie-breaking touchdown in a game the Chiefs won 27-24.
You’ll recall the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, when Nick Bolton returned Jalen Hurts’ fumble 36 yards for a touchdown to tie the game in the second quarter. That play shifted the game’s momentum toward the Chiefs.
The only return for a touchdown during a Chiefs game this season happened at Jacksonville, when Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd picked off Patrick Mahomes and returned the ball 99 yards. That play, obviously not in the Chiefs’ favor, changed the course of that game.
Defensive and return touchdowns are uncommon. Conner’s was the only one for the Chiefs last season. Sunday’s opponent, the Chargers, don’t have one this year, either.
But these are the sort of big moments that have helped the Chiefs build their dynasty. A lack of such turning-point plays this year has undoubtedly contributed to their disappointing season.
Here’s what else to watch on Sunday when the Chiefs play host to the Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The game will be broadcast on CBS (Channel 5 in Kansas City).
Chiefs player to watch: Defensive tackle Chris Jones
Jones has been at his most active in the past few games.
Recent highlights include two sacks in his last four games, a high pressure rate and a deflected pass last week against the Texans. This week, he was asked about the source of this seemingly new energy.
“I don’t think it was more so flipping the switch, it’s just being able to watch film over the bye week, correct some errors, probably footwork and hand placement for me,” Jones said. “I watched that, corrected it and just continue on throughout the rest of the season.”
Chargers player to watch: Running back Omarion Hampton
The rookie missed seven games with an ankle injury before returning last week to rush for 56 yards in a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
It appears Hampton will share time with Kimani Vidal now, but the Chargers’ most effective runner last week was Herbert: He rushed for 66 yards, matching the third-best output of his career. Herbert is the team’s second-leading rusher this season, averaging a healthy 6.3 yards per carry
Special teams player to watch: Chiefs returner Nikko Remigio
Remigio missed last week’s game against the Texans, but Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub said he’ll return for Sunday’s game. Remigio is the Chiefs’ primary punt-return specialist and leads the team in kickoff returns.