Facing the reigning Super Bowl Champions, it won’t be an easy task for the Chargers, who enter the week as huge underdogs.
One of the ways that Los Angeles can get the job done is by winning the turnover battle, which means eliminating interceptions or fumbles on offense and taking the football away on the defensive side of the ball.
By doing so, the Bolts can control field position and make it tougher Kansas City to string together drives. Given how lethal the Chiefs’ offense is, not allowing to get the ball in quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ hands is vital.
Coach Anthony Lynn said that in the last few matchups against Kansas City the turnover battle has been 17-2, calling it “ridiculous,” and adding that they need to do a better job of taking care of the ball and score touchdowns.
How important is it? In 2019, the Chargers won the turnover battle in only two games. They won both of those contests.
Last Sunday against the Bengals, Los Angeles outperformed in this area, winning the turnover battle, 2-0.
Winning the turnover battle is one thing, but L.A. must also do a better job, specifically on the offensive side at converting on third-down and red zone situations if they wish to pull off the upset.
They finished 6-for-16 on third down, and managed to only turn one red zone trip out of three into a touchdown.