If the Chargers want to come out of Week 3 with a win, eliminating the passing attack of the Chiefs takes top priority.
Among quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ slew of big-play weapons capable of taking over the game is tight end Travis Kelce.
Through two games, Kelce is leading all players at his position in receiving yards (185) and is second in touchdowns (3).
While Los Angeles has been stout against opposing tight ends thus far in the season, Kelce is a different breed who will require plenty of attention.
Therefore, the team will be banking on safety Derwin James to blanket him, just like he did when the Chargers made that great comeback in 2018, in which he limited Kelce to two catches for a measly two yards.
The season after, James held Kelce to just one reception for six yards.
Since James was out the entire 2020 season with an injury, he didn’t get the opportunity to match-up against Kelce, but his presence was greatly missed after Los Angeles surrendered 90 yards and a score on nine catches.
Kelce is a huge body who can make big plays and extend drives, which is why someone who has the movement skills and cover awareness of James is key to slowing him down.
Having James shadow Kelce as opposed to double covering him will allow L.A. to bracket the speedy Tyreek Hill with multiple defenders to minimize him from taking command with his top-tier short-area quickness and long speed.
Expect the Chargers to play a great deal of dime defense (six defensive backs) to prevent explosive plays from occurring. If they can do so, Los Angeles will have a great chance of taking out Kansas City in front of their home crowd for the second week in a row.