Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert says he loves playing games at Arrowhead Stadium
Quarterback Justin Herbert left last year’s game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium with a fracture to his rib cartilage after the Chargers lost 27-24 to the Chiefs.
But it hasn’t dampened his enthusiasm about returning to Arrowhead Stadium for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. In fact, Herbert told reporters this week why he loves playing in Kansas City.
“It’s always a fun environment. You know, the fans are great there and it’s such a great opportunity to play football,” Herbert said. “It’s one that you always dream of and going into a place like that, it’s always a great opportunity.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes talked earlier this week about his admiration of Herbert, and the feeling is mutual.
“I think he’s done a great job making plays and he’s had so much success in the league and whenever you turn the film on of him he’s gonna make plays, he’s gonna find a way to move the chains,” Herbert said of Mahomes. “Whenever it’s a play that breaks down, he’s great off his feet, great scrambling, so I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a quarterback.”
Herbert has a 2-1 record against the Chiefs at Arrowhead, although one of those wins came in the 2020 season finale when Mahomes and other starters sat.
Factor in Mahomes’ unbeaten streak on the Chargers home field, and Herbert’s record drops to 2-4 overall against the Chiefs.
NBC Sports’ Peter King took a closer look at Mahomes’ dominance against AFC West foes and noted these three statistics:
Mahomes vs. AFC West: 28-3.
Average margin of victory in the 28 wins: 15.0 points.
Mahomes TD/INT margin in 31 AFC West games: 67-17.
Herbert was asked about the Chiefs’ division dominance.
“We’ve got so much respect for them as a team and we understand the great things they’ve been able to accomplish over the past few years,” Herbert said. “And that’s the ultimate goal in the NFL is to be able to win games and to be able to be consistent like that.
“This is a team that we’re going up against that requires all of our attention. We have to have a good week of practice and preparation. We have to be dialed in all week to have any shot on Sunday.”
While Mahomes has ruled over the AFC West, the Chiefs’ victories against the Chargers haven’t come easy. Both of last season’s wins were by three points. Other than that 2020 season finale, every game Herbert has played against the Chiefs has been decided by one score.
“I think that’s just a testament to the respect that we have for them,” Herbert said Wednesday. “We know how special of a team they are in and it’s going to take our best effort and it starts today, it started yesterday. So for us to be able to show up and have a good week of practice, I think that’s the most important thing.”
This story was originally published October 20, 2023 at 8:50 AM.
