Instant analysis of Chargers’ loss to Chiefs

A breakdown of the Los Angeles Chargers’ heartbreaking 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers fought hard throughout the entire game, but they fell to the Chiefs after kicker Harrison Butker won it with a 58-yard field.

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

Injury Report

The Chargers suffered a few injuries.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor was ruled out with a chest injury.

Tackle Bryan Bulaga sustained a knee injury. He never returned.

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins left the game with a groin injury.

Defensive tackle Justin Jones left the contest with a shoulder injury.

Play of the Game: Justin Herbert connects with Keenan Allen for 25 yards

Notable Number

311: Justin Herbert is the eighth quarterback since 2010 to have 300+ yards and a passing TD in his first career start.

Quick Takes

Despite the loss, you couldn’t have asked for a better debut by QB Justin Herbert. The former Oregon product made some rookie mistakes, most notably the interception thrown into triple coverage. However, he was still impressive, nonetheless. Herbert finished the game with 22-of-33 passing for 311 yards, a touchdown and an interception, which included a few “wow” throws.

Herbert’s top targets were wide receiver Keenan Allen and tight end Hunter Henry, who amassed seven receptions for 96 yards and six catches for 83 yards, respectively.

The offensive line deserves a lot of credit, as they handled the Chiefs defensive line for the majority of the game, even without tackle Bryan Bulaga and center Mike Pouncey. The running game combined for 183 yards and a touchdown on 44 carries.

On the other side of the ball, the Chargers defensive line was too much for the Chiefs defensive line for most of the contest. Los Angeles deployed a few blitz packages, which were very effective. Defensive ends Joey Bosa, Uchenna Nwosu and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery combined for a sack and five quarterback hits.

Cornerback Michael Davis had arguably his best game yet. Despite a couple of missed tackles, Davis had two passes defensed, one in coverage against Tyreek Hill and the other against Sammy Watkins.

Coach Anthony Lynn made the decision to go for it twice on fourth-down, but the one he decided not to go for from the Chargers’ 34-yard line in overtime might be the most heavily scrutinized.

The Chargers were flagged six times, but the offsides calls came at the most crucial times.

Prevent defense isn’t going to work against Mahomes.

Up Next

The Chargers will be back at SoFi Stadium to take on the Panthers. The Week 3 matchup will be played on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1:05 p.m. PT