Chargers 24-Chiefs 27 | True to their (bad) habits

Historically, the Los Angeles Chargers have often struggled to finish the job. They find ways to lose, as the saying goes. And even if they can count on a gifted quarterback like Justin Herbert, they still haven’t gotten rid of their nasty habit of letting victories slip away.

Miguel Bujold
The Press

For the first time in history, an NFL game was only offered via webcast on Thursday night. New rights holder for Thursday games, Prime Video (Amazon) began its new adventure with great fanfare with the first game of the season between the Chargers and the Chiefs, in Kansas City. Note that in Canada, RDS and TSN will broadcast Thursday night games.

Amazon owner Jeff Bezos was on hand to watch the Chiefs erase a 7-17 deficit to win 27-24 at Arrowhead Stadium. Bezos was accompanied by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

The key game of the meeting? The 99-yard touchdown scored by Jaylen Watson following an interception in the 5^e minute of the fourth quarter. A miscommunication between Herbert and tight end Gerald Everett was costly, as the Chargers had just crossed the field easily and looked set to take a 24-17 lead. Rather, it was the Chiefs who did it.

After a field goal from Matt Ammendola, who replaced regular Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, Herbert got hit a few times, perfectly legal tackles, but which obviously hurt him. The young quarterback even left the game for one game due to what looked like a rib injury.

Herbert, however, came back and threw a magnificent 35-yard pass to DeAndre Carter at 4^e game with a yard to cross to maintain the hopes of his people. The Chargers scored a major a few plays later, but then failed in their attempt to recover a short kick.

Playing without top receiver Keenan Allen (thigh), Herbert completed 33 of 48 passes for 334 yards, 3 touchdowns and one interception.

In Allen’s absence, Mike Williams stood out with 8 catches, 113 yards and a touchdown, and running back Austin Ekeler totaled 94 yards on offense and ran with more conviction than he normally does. .

On the Chiefs side, Patrick Mahomes could easily have thrown three or four interceptions, let’s face it. Contrary to what we saw in the Chiefs’ first game last Sunday in Arizona, the absence of Tyreek Hill was felt. Mahomes used every target at his disposal like the previous week, but Travis Kelce was the most productive receiver, with 5 catches and just 51 yards.

Among the best in the NFL, the Chiefs offensive line was tasked with shutting down quarterback fighters Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and they did it. The Chargers got just one sack and running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire gained 74 yards on 8 carries (average 9.3) in addition to adding 44 on 4 catches.

Not a question of talent

Returning after missing the season opener with an ankle injury, JC Jackson allowed Justin Watson a 25-yard touchdown in his first game for the Chargers. Still, the Los Angeles secondary has the players to become the league’s best thanks to players like Derwin James, Asante Samuel Jr., Nasir Adderley and Jackson, who intercepted 25 passes with the New England Patriots before retiring. join the Chargers.

It’s certainly not about talent for the Chargers. They have good players at all positions and on both sides of the ball.

But again, when the game was in the balance, they were unable to finish the job. And if they want to dislodge the Chiefs from the top of the American West, they cannot afford to collapse like this at 4^e shift too often.

All teams must learn to win, as the famous expression goes. But in the case of the Chargers, it’s a long way.