Can’t blame the offensive line

While the offensive line has taken a lot of shots this season for being the reason for Rivers’ poor play, don’t lay the blame for it at their collective feet on Monday night.

There was a lot of worry knowing that the Chargers were rolling with Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott as the starting tackles against a fearsome Chiefs front. But with a full week of practice under their belts, they fared well.

Scott looked a lot more comfortable in pass protection. Scott was the second-highest-graded player on the offensive side. He allowed zero pressures on 60 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus.

Meanwhile, Pipkins, who got his first official professional start, was solid for the most part. Aside from a few pressures, including a sack given up to defensive end Frank Clark, he held his own. Pipkins still needs development, but he continues to show flashes.

As for the interior offensive line, they remained stout against defensive tackle Chris Jones and company, especially against the run. Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler found a lot of success running the ball inside the tackles.

Right guard Michael Schofield was the highest-graded offensive player. He posted an 81.4 offensive grade with a 84.8 pass-blocking grade and a 71.8 run-blocking grade. Schofield allowed two pressures on 60 pass-blocking snaps, per PFF.