Category: Latest Chargers news

Instant analysis of Chargers’ 24-17 loss to Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez gives his thoughts from the Chargers’ 24-17 loss to the Chiefs in Week 11.

In a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive, Philip Rivers threw four interceptions, including one in the end zone on the final drive, and the Chargers couldn’t come out on top against the Chiefs in Mexico City.

Here is our instant analysis from Los Angeles’ 24-17 loss to Kansas City:

Injury Update

There were no injuries tonight.

Play of the Game: Mike Williams’ monstrous catch

In need of keeping their final drive alive, Williams came up clutch with an acrobatic catch that went for 50 yards on third-and-15.

Notable Number

7: Quarterback Philip Rivers has thrown seven interceptions in his last two games, the most in any two-game span in his career.

Quick Takes

  • Tonight’s loss fell on Rivers’ shoulders. He had two opportunities to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but they both ended up being interceptions. Poor decision-making and regression in arm talent continue to be evident.
  • Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler gave the offense life in the first half, but they were nonfactors in the second half, combining for only 23 yards from scrimmage after totaling 199 yards in the first half.
  • They weren’t perfect, but the offensive line performed better than their dreadful Week 10 outing. They only allowed two sacks on the night against a deadly Chiefs pass rush.
  • Rivers’ weapons did him a lot of favors with some of their eye-popping catches tonight. Wide receiver Keenan Allen had a bounce-back game, including reeling in his first touchdown pass for the first time since Week 3.
  • After a dominant first half, the defense came out in the second half looking like a completely different unit. Soft coverage and missed tackles in open space were the killer that allowed quarterback Patrick Mahomes to guide his team to a comfortable lead.
  • Defensive end Melvin Ingram had a phenomenal performance, coming up in a big way on three consecutive third downs to force the Chiefs to punt. Whether it was generating pressure or batting balls at the line of scrimmage, Ingram made great plays.
  • As a whole, the defense didn’t allow Mahomes to produce that many explosive plays. The absence of wide receiver Tyreek Hill was clear, but the secondary did a nice job keeping everything in front of them for the most part, aside from a couple plays, including tight end Travis Kelce’s touchdown.

Up Next

The Chargers have their bye in Week 12. Their next game will be against the Broncos at Empower Field on Dec. 1 at 1:25 p.m. PT.

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Takeaways from first half of Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez gives his thoughts from the first half of the matchup between the Chargers and the Chiefs.

The Chargers trail the Chiefs 10-9 in a low scoring affair at the halfway mark.

Here are our takeaways from the first half:

  • The Chargers defense has been playing lights out against a Chiefs offense that ranks near the top of the league. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has yet to surpass 100 passing yards and the rushing attack has been held to less than 50 yards on the ground.
  • Linebacker Thomas Davis has been dominant against the run, but he’s made a couple key plays in coverage.
  • Cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Michael Davis are having great games, keeping the Chiefs wideouts in check. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who came up with the big-time interception in the first quarter, has done a nice job keeping everything in front of them.
  • The Chargers offense is in full control, but the two turnovers have killed them and that’s why the Chiefs have the lead.
  • Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler have been awfully productive tonight. The two have combined for 199 yards from the line of scrimmage. They’re having success carrying the football and have been deadly in the short passing game.
  • Quarterback Philip Rivers’ first interception wasn’t his fault, but the second one was. It was a bad read from Rivers, attempting to go wide receiver Keenan Allen and safety Tyrann Mathieu made the perfect play on the ball.
  • Aside from the one sack given up, the offensive line has given Rivers a lot of time to distribute the football.

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Watch: Chargers’ Rayshawn Jenkins comes up with huge interception

Chargers free safety Rayshawn Jenkins came up with a clutch play in the first quarter.

The Chargers defense has done an excellent job limiting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company.

Free safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who was our defensive player to watch, came up with a huge interception near the end of the first quarter. Jenkins read the play perfectly and closed in on the pass intended for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.

Here is the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter account:

Los Angeles leads Kansas City, 3-0 with 12:26 remaining in the second quarter.

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Chargers vs. Chiefs inactives

The Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs released their inactives ahead of the Monday night battle.

The Los Angeles Chargers released their inactives ahead of Monday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Inactive

LT Russell Okung
RT Sam Tevi
LB Drue Tranquill
WR Geremy Davis
RB Justin Jackson
DT T.Y. McGill
QB Easton Stick

Linebacker Drue Tranquill, who was listed as questionable with a calf injury on Saturday, is out. Denzel Perryman should have an expanded role due to Tranquill’s absence.

Here’s a look at the Chiefs’ inactives:

DE Alex Okafor
CB Kendall Fuller
QB Chad Henne
TE Blake Bell
OL Nick Allegretti
OL Jackson Barton
RB Darwin Thompson

Kansas City will have starting left tackle Eric Fisher back for the first time since Week 2, as well as right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff, who has been out since Week 8 with an ankle injury.

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Chargers activate OT Spencer Drango, waive LS Matt Overton

The Chargers made a roster move ahead of the Monday night matchup against the Chiefs.

The Chargers made a roster move ahead of their matchup against the Chiefs.

Los Angeles called up offensive tackle Spencer Drango from the practice squad. In a corresponding move, the team waived long snapped Matt Overton.

With Russell Okung and Sam Tevi out from tonight’s game, there isn’t anyone behind Trey Pipkins and Trent Scott on the depth chart.

Drango joined the Chargers last season after spending two seasons with the Browns. He’s primarily been a practice squad player since his arrival.

Overton’s release indicates that starting long snapper Cole Mazza will play. Mazza dealt with an illness this past week at practice.

There wasn’t an announcement on safety Adrian Phillips, which means he will not be activated this week.

Offensive and defensive player to watch in Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out one offensive and defensive player to watch in the Chargers matchup with the Chiefs.

As the Chargers take on the Chiefs in the Monday night bout, several players will be under the microscope. Here are two Chargers players on each side of the ball to keep an eye on:

Offense — RB Melvin Gordon

After a lackluster start to his season, Gordon has had success the past two consecutive games. The past two games combined, Gordon has rushed for 188 yards on 42 carries (4.4 yards per carry), including three touchdowns. His performance against the Raiders last Thursday marked the first time a Chargers player has rushed for over 100 yards.

Gordon could very well have a season-high performance facing one of the most generous run defenses in the league, who is allowing 148.1 rushing yards per game. Look for the Chargers to lean on Gordon to exploit the Chiefs’ weakness early and often. A multi-touchdown game is well within reach.

Defense — FS Rayshawn Jenkins

It won’t be an easy task for the Chargers to slow the Chiefs offense, who present arguably the most explosive in the league, featuring some of the fastest wide receivers, and are capable of making monstrous plays happen at any given moment.

While the linebackers and cornerbacks will have to stay sound to their assignments and the players they’re covering, it’ll be crucial for Jenkins as the last line of defense. Jenkins will have the responsibility to tackle in the open field in case someone breaks loose and he has to defend those deep passes.

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Reasons for optimism and concern for Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers the reasons to be optimistic and concerned about the Chargers’ Week 11 matchup against the Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers are hosting the Kansas City Chiefs, but they will both be on the road in Week 11 for a primetime bout at Estadio Azteca on Monday night.

The Bolts are currently listed as underdogs, and there’s a reason for that. But while all signs are in the Chiefs’ favor, the NFL is always unpredictable and anything can happen. With that, there’s plenty of reasons for concern facing a tough Kansas City team, but there are reasons for optimism, too.

So, what should fans of the Chargers be optimistic and concerned about going into the Monday night matchup?

Reason for optimism

Chiefs defense isn’t really anything to boast about

Kansas City wins the majority of their games with their lethal offense. But on the other side of the ball, there isn’t that much about their defense that gives any reason to be worried about.

Entering Week 11, they’re allowing 369.5 yards per game, 5.6 yards per play, 148.1 rushing yards per game and 5.1 yards per carry, all of which ranks near the bottom in the NFL.

All of this is the recipe for running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler having huge performances. As for quarterback Philip Rivers, I expect him to bounce back against a secondary that has no interceptions and has allowed eight touchdown passes since Week 7.

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Prediction poll for matchup between Chargers-Chiefs in Week 11

It’s time to cast your vote who you believe will win the Week 11 matchup between the Chargers and Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers are playing host to the Kansas City Chiefs at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday night in a Week 11 matchup.

The Chargers were building some momentum heading into their last contest against the Oakland Raiders, but they ultimately fell short after some offensive inconsistencies, falling to 4-6.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs also dropped their last game to the Titans in a heartbreaking fashion when kicker Harrison Butker’s game-tying field goal was blocked as time expired. The loss put them at a 6-4 record.

Los Angeles needs to be on their A-game on all three levels, facing a Kansas City team that’s stacked in all departments, and it just so happens that they will be getting key players back from injuries.

Chargers Wire feels like it’s going to be a high-scoring affair. But quarterback Philip Rivers will bounce back from his woeful Week 10 performance, running back Melvin Gordon will run wild going up against one of the league’s worst rush defenses, and the Chargers defense will do enough to fend off QB Patrick Mahomes.

We see Los Angeles keeping their playoff hopes alive, winning by the score of 31-27.

With that, who do you think will win Monday’s contest?

Check out the poll and let us know what you think.

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Chargers OT Russell Okung downgraded to doubtful

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung is set to miss Monday’s bout with the Chiefs.

Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung is set to miss Monday’s bout with the Chiefs.

Okung was listed as questionable on Saturday with the groin injury that knocked him out of last Thursday’s contest against the Raiders. He appears to not be making any progress, however.

Okung has been downgraded to doubtful, which means Los Angeles expects him to miss their Week 11 matchup.

With Okung out, rookie Trey Pipkins will get the start at left tackle. Meanwhile, Trent Scott will start opposite of Pipkins in place of Sam Tevi, who is dealing with a knee injury.

There are no other players behind Pipkins and Scott, so look for the Chargers to call up Spencer Drango from the practice squad to add depth at the position.

Linebacker Drue Tranquill has officially been listed as questionable with a calf injury. He was limited in practice on Saturday.

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Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Chiefs?

NFL experts have made their game predictions on the matchup between the Chargers and Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) are considered 4.5-point home underdogs to the Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) in Week 11 of the 2019 regular season. The over/under line is set at 52.5 points, per BetMGM.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 52.5 points.

Our score prediction for the game is a 31-27 win for the Chargers, with a combined total of 58 points. So if we were putting money behind our prediction, we’d bet the over.

As for game picks, the majority of the experts are rolling with the Chiefs.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Chiefs
Mike Jones (USA Today) Chiefs
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chiefs
Sporting News Chiefs
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Will Brinson (CBS Sports) Chiefs
Steve Palazzolo (PFF) Chiefs
Bleacher Report Chiefs

Monday’s game will begin at 5:15 p.m. PT and will be televised on ESPN.

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