Week 2: Chiefs Host Chargers, OPEN THREAD
Laddie Morse
This could end up being the game of the year. We know the Kansas City Chiefs are just that good, but the Los Angeles Chargers are just that good too. Can the Chargers take away the Chiefs offense? I seriously doubt that. Can the Chiefs take away the Chargers offense? I seriously doubt that one too. That’s why I’m saying this has the potential to be the game of the year, much as the Chiefs and Bills game in the playoffs was last season.
What’s At Stake?
To begin with, the winner of this game will take sole possession of first place in the AFC West. Not only that, but the winner takes over the driver’s seat in the AFC. The Buffalo Bills face a Titans team that played the NY Giants and slot 21-to-20 last Sunday, so while they may be wanting to keep from going 0-and-2, the Bills will be playing at Home and should prevail. The Bills beat back the Rams 31-to-10 in week one and should come out on top in week two. That said, the Chiefs will be the AFC top dogs if the can dispense of the Chargers tonight.
Who’s In, Who’s Out
Tom Pelissero says the Chargers greatest lost may be WR Keenan Allen:
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The Chiefs will be missing both CB Trent McDuffie and their place kicker, Harrison Butker:
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With Trent McDuffie out for the next four games (because he was moved to the Injured reserve List this week) Trey Smith is also considered Questionable. With Keenan out, and McDuffie out… they kind of cancel each other out. However, the loss of Smith could be a tough one to deal with as the Chargers have a strong D-line with Joey Bosa and Kahlil Mack at rush LB. Not to be over looked are the Chargers DEs Sebastian Joseph-day and Jerry Tillery who combined for 7.5 sacks in 2021. While the Bolts had 6.0 sacks against the Raiders in week one, 3.0 of those came from Khalil Mack.
Also, BoltFromTheBlue.com reports that:
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“On Tuesday’s report, cornerback J.C. Jackson went from being estimated as a non-participant to “limited” which should create some optimism for the CB1 to return to the field in time to face Patrick Mahomes and that Chiefs offense.”
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Growing the Lesser Rivalry
While the Chiefs have had a long and arduous rivalry with the Oakland/LA/Oakland/Vegas Raiders, the games against the Chargers have not been quite as emotionally packed. The Same is true for the Chiefs game vs the Denver Broncos. The Chargers games have somehow meant less to the Chiefs… even though they mean the same on the won/loss sheet. Through 157 meetings between these two teams, the Chiefs are ahead 64-58-1. Although the Chiefs have played the Raiders 126 times, they lead the series 70–54–2. The Chiefs lead the series against the Broncos too and in 124 games (including the playoffs) K.C. leads 69–55. The reason this rivalry between the Chiefs and the Chargers may be growing is that they both have drafted elite level QBs and while K.C. has won the AFC West 6 times in a row, the Chargers have split with the Chiefs in three out of the past four years.
What It Will Take For Each to Emerge Victorious
For the Chiefs to win this game, if they are able to score TDs on their first two drives like they did against the Cardinals, they should come away with a win. Yes, the remainder of the game will be important, but if K.C. can make good on their first two possessions, it should not matter how well, or no well, the defense plays. Yes, I expect the Chiefs defense to have another great game and cause at least two 3-and-outs in the first half, and if they do that, it’s lights out, and just like last week, you will see a large number of home town fans headed for the doors early, but for entirely different reasons this week.
I heard Pete Sweeney say something on local radio that I agree with… “For the Chargers to win, they will have to win it in a close game.” If any team is going to pull away… it will be the Chiefs… and if any team is going to win by a close score… it will be either K.C. or L.A.. IOW, it’s difficult to see the Chargers winning big at Arrowhead.
Defensive Stands
The Chiefs defense played some excellent football last Sunday.
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While sportsnaut.com ranked the Chiefs defense at #18, they also ranked the Chargers at #4 and had this to say about them:
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“This is why you acquire Khalil Mack. Opponents already had a tough time dealing with Joey Bosa, now they must account for two of the best pass rushers in the NFL. In a season-opening win, Mack (three) and Bosa (1.5) combined for 4.5 sacks and six quarterback hits. Even the secondary, without No. 1 corner J.C. Jackson, helped mitigate some of the big plays it allowed with three takeaways. One of the best matchups in NFL Week 2 will be the Chiefs’ elite offense against this aggressive defense.”
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Watching the Chiefs new offense vs the Chargers elite defense should be one of the best match-ups of the week.
Making of the Greatest
When Peyton Manning used to play in games vs Tom Brady, they used to make each other better, a lot better. That’s what I believe is going on with Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes. Here’s a terrific breakdown of both Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes in their first games by Daniel Jeremiah:
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Both QBs have had excellent beginnings to their careers, bu we like Patrick Mahomes more here in K.C..
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In an article writer by Doug Farrar called, “Why the Chiefs’ new offensive wrinkles could spell trouble for the Chargers” for touchdownwire.com he shares what Brandon Staley, the Chargers’ head coach said when he was asked was asked why the Chiefs are so great in the red zone:
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“Because you have to defend all five people and the quarterback. Any time all five people are a legitimate threat to do something with the football down there, and you have to account for the quarterback, you’re maximizing your chances of being an outstanding red zone team. They run the football well down there because they can run it, and they can get the RPO version of the game, so they can change the math, even the math out down there. They’re an outstanding screen team. A very, very tough cover. That’s why they’re such a good football team.”
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Game Time Weather
Once again, it looks like it will be ideal weather for the game between the Chiefs and the Chargers this evening. The game begins at 7:15 PM CDT.
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Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne
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