Tag: Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers should activate Adrian Phillips ahead of matchup vs. Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers would be wise to activate safety Adrian Phillips prior to the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

There’s a possibility that the Chargers could see a difference-maker to their defense return to the active roster prior to the Monday night bout against the Chiefs.

Safety Adrian Phillips, who was placed on the injured reserve on Sept. 16 with a broken forearm, was designated for return from the IR on Thursday, which means the team will have 21 days to activate him.

Coach Anthony Lynn had some words that suggests Phillips could be available for the AFC West battle tomorrow.

“He’s looking good in practice. We started him out on the scout team, and his change of direction looked really good. We worked him in on some regular reps (with the defense). Now we got to make a decision and see if he can go on Monday.”

“There’s always a chance,” when asked if he will be activated. “He hasn’t played football in a long time, so you don’t want to throw someone out there before they’re ready. But I liked the way he ran around on the field,” Lynn said, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

In practice this past week, Phillips played on the scout team but then earned reps with the first-team defense because he was moving around so well.

Adding Phillips back into the mix would be huge, as the Chargers face a Chiefs offense that ranks No. 6 in the league in explosive passing plays. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has struggled all year to slow opposing passing games, allowing 7.3 yards per throw.

The Chargers will have until 5:00 p.m. PT to decide whether or not Phillips will be active for tomorrow’s matchup.

If the Bolts elect to give Phillips an extended period to recover since the bye week occurs next weekend, they will have to decide between Roderic Teamer and Jaylen Watkins at the strong safety position on Monday.

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Behind Enemy Lines: 5 questions with Chiefs Wire

Chiefs Wire’s Charles Goldman spoke with Chargers Wire and delivered five things to look for in the Monday night matchup.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) and Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) are about to take the national stage on Monday night.

Prior to the matchup, Chiefs Wire managing editor Charles Goldman spoke with us on Los Angeles’ opponent.

Here’s a look at five things to expect:

1. How do the Chargers slow down the big playmaking ability of Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman?

The Chargers should hope that somehow they don’t make it on the plane to Mexico City. Really, with the Chiefs offense, you have to decide which playmaker you’re going to try and take away. It was a tough choice last season when you had Hill, Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce to worry about. Now you’ve got Hardman in the mix, and don’t sleep on Demarcus Robinson because he might have some of the best chemistry with Mahomes of any of these receiving threats.

2. Will Patrick Mahomes’ knee be a concern for him, or is he back to full health?

Mahomes was pretty adamant this week that this is the healthiest he’s felt since Week 1 of the regular season. Remember, he also dealt with an ankle sprain earlier in the season before the kneecap dislocation. Both of those injuries shouldn’t be a problem for him moving forward or limit him from doing what he does. He had one of the best games of his career against the Titans in Week 10 despite the loss. I wouldn’t expect to see Andy Reid call a QB sneak with Mahomes anytime soon, though.

3. What area/position of the Chiefs could determine the outcome of this game?

The linebackers and the run defense. It’s been the most easily exploitable part of the Chiefs’ defense this season. They did sort of come alive a bit during the two weeks that Mahomes was out with injury. As recently as Week 10, they looked like the same unit that failed to impress early in the season. Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are as talented a duo as they’ve faced in 2019. The Chargers could do some damage running the ball and motioning out wide, forcing man-coverage matchups against the Chiefs’ LB corps.

4. Who is an under-the-radar Chief that Chargers fans should know about?

Rookie defensive back Juan Thornhill is one that I’d pay attention to this week. He plays the deep safety role for the Chiefs and he’s been quietly impressive this season. He has really nice range from the centerfield spot. When he’s in a man coverage situation, he hasn’t given up much in terms of yardage per coverage snap. Given how much Philip Rivers likes to throw the deep ball, you might be hearing Thornhill’s name called quite a bit on Monday night.

5. Score predicition?

Ahead of the season, I had this game circled as one that I thought Kansas City could struggle in. I thought that Los Angeles wouldn’t be 4-6 right now. Historically, the big prime-time games haven’t been too kind to the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs. I’m feeling like things will be different this time around, though. This is shaping up to be the first time since Week 1 that the Chiefs have all of their starters on offense healthy across the board. If the Chiefs’ defense can manage to contain Ekeler and Gordon, that’d also boost their chances at a win. It’s easier said than done for Kansas City. They can’t seem to decide the type of team they want to be on defense. Chiefs 34, Chargers 20

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Chargers final injury report: 2 doubtful, 3 questionable

The Los Angeles Chargers released their final injury report ahead of Week 11 on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Chargers had their last practice on Saturday before traveling to Mexico City to take on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Here is a look at the final injury report:

Out

OT Sam Tevi

Doubtful

WR Geremy Davis
RB Justin Jackson

Questionable

S Roderic Teamer
OT Russell Okung
LS Cole Mazza

Right tackle Sam Tevi has officially been ruled out. Trent Scott will start in place of him. Meanwhile, left tackle Russell Okung is questionable, which means there’s a chance he will play. If he can’t go, Trey Pipkins would get the start.

Safety Roderic Teamer and long snapper Cole Mazza are questionable, as well. Teamer hasn’t played since Week 8, as he’s been dealing with a groin injury. If Mazza isn’t good for Monday’s matchup, recently acquired Matt Overton will start.

Wide receiver Geremy Davis and running back Justin Jackson are both doubtful.

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9 Chargers players to watch vs. Chiefs in Week 11

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the nine most important players to watch against the Chiefs in Week 11.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-6) travel to Mexico City to face the Kansas City Chiefs (6-4) in a crucial Week 11 matchup.

Here are nine Chargers players to hone in on:

QB Philip Rivers

After his worst performance of the 2019 season, Rivers will look to have a bounce back game. But it won’t be an easy task facing one of the best passing defenses in the league.

RB Melvin Gordon

Gordon has been on a tear the past two games, and he will look to continue that dominance going up against one of the league’s worst run defenses.

WR Keenan Allen

Allen has been slowed as of late, failing to surpass 70 receiving yards the past seven contests. He wasn’t impressed by the Chiefs’ secondary this past offseason and now he will have to opportunity to get his words up, six months later.

OT Trent Scott

One of the reasons for Rivers’ struggles last week was the poor protection. Scott, who will start at right tackle again in place of Sam Tevi, will need to slow a Chiefs pass rush that ranks first in the NFL in sacks (52).

DE Joey Bosa & Melvin Ingram

If the Bolts want to slow quarterback Patrick Mahomes, they need to contain him and make him feel uncomfortable. That all starts up front with the pressure. Bosa and Ingram have combined for 13.5 sacks this season.

CB Casey Hayward

Hayward is set to be lined up across arguably the league’s fastest wideouts in Tyreek Hill.

FS Rayshawn Jenkins

With how fast the Chiefs position players are, Jenkins will be needed more than ever to assist from the single high role, whether that be as an open field tackler or eliminating passing plays over the top to avoid explosive plays.

S Jaylen Watkins

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is the best at his position, and will need to be eliminated. Last season, they limited him because Derwin James did a nice job against him, but he will not be playing.

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Chargers’ Keenan Allen looking to back up words about Chiefs secondary

Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen had some words about the Chiefs’ secondary back in April.

After finishing as one of the worst secondaries in the NFL last season, the Chiefs made the point to address the unit this past offseason with a slew of acquisitions.

Back in April, after the initial wave of free agency and the draft, wide receiver Keenan Allen was asked about the changes Kansas City made.

“Since you asked, it was brought up today in the locker room. We just looked at their DB (defensive backs) group, and I’ll just leave it at that. We’ve seen it,” Allen said.

From Allen’s comment and smirk on his face, he didn’t appear to be that impressed with the group on paper.

Fast forward to now, and the new pieces that the Chiefs added have made a huge difference. Kansas City hasn’t allowed 300 passing yards in a game since Week 1, and they’re allowing 221.4 yards per game, which ranks No. 8 in the NFL.

Their new-look secondary includes safety Tyrann Mathieu, cornerback Bashaud Breeland and rookie Juan Thornhill. Those three players, along with the change to the defensive coordinator, have been a much-needed boost to the defense.

Quarterback Philip Rivers threw for over 300 yards when the two teams met twice last season, including the big victory at Arrowhead Stadium, which snapped their losing streak to the Chiefs.

Even though Rivers enters Monday’s contest against Kansas City with a league-high 2,816 passing yards, it won’t be an easy task for the veteran quarterback to have that success facing a revamped secondary and a depleted offensive line.

Allen will look to back up what he had to say about Kansas City’s secondary, and get back on track after being held to less than 70 receiving yards the past seven games and find the end zone for the first time since Week 3.

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Chargers sign LS Matt Overton, place Cortez Broughton on NFI

The Los Angeles Chargers made a roster move ahead of Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers made a roster move ahead of Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers announced that they have signed long snapper Matt Overton to the 53-man roster. In a corresponding move, defensive tackle Cortez Broughton was placed on the non-football illness list.

The Bolts are without their starting long snapper Cole Mazza, who missed Thursday’s practice due to an illness.

Overton spent the last two seasons with the Jaguars. Prior to his stint with Jacksonville, he played with the Colts for five seasons. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2013.

Broughton, the team’s seventh-round selection, appeared in two games this season and had five tackles.

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Chargers RB Melvin Gordon set to have field day vs. Chiefs

Chargers running back Melvin Gordon could have a season-high performance against the Chiefs on Monday night.

After a few lackluster games since returning to the Chargers lineup after his holdout due to contract disputes, running back Melvin Gordon is starting to pick things up and display the player that everyone has been anticipating.

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 will have an opportunity to have a season-high game, facing a Chiefs run defense that is allowing 148.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks second-worst in the NFL.

Gordon’s first few performances showed a rusty player that had been out of live game action for so long. But since he’s been getting more reps and is getting into a flow, along with the change to the offensive coordinator, it’s all starting to come together for the former Wisconsin product.

Starting out of the backfield, Gordon’s vision has improved significantly. He is quickly diagnosing defenders coming his way and seeing holes that are made for him instead of relying purely on his strength to drive through a pile of scrap.

Along with that, Gordon is running with the grit and toughness that he’s known for, refusing to go down and delivering blows to defenders to keep the play churning.

Going into the Week 11 matchup, expect the offense to rely heavily on pounding the rock with Gordon and Austin Ekeler to exploit the weakness of the Chiefs defense.

If you own Gordon on your fantasy team, start him this week.

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3 key matchups to watch in Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists three key position matchups to watch when the Chargers take on the Chiefs in Week 11.

The Chargers and Chiefs are set to be featured in primetime on Monday Night Football.

Here are three key matchups to watch that could ultimately determine the outcome of the game:

CB Casey Hayward vs. WR Tyreek Hill

Hayward continues to shutdown the league’s most prolific wideouts on a weekly basis, but now, he will be tasked with limiting not only one of the best, but the fastest that he’s faced this season.

Since missing the first four games of the season due to suspension, Hill has come back and has been a headache for opposing secondaries. He has scored five touchdowns in the last four games. Over his last two performances, Hill is averaging 148.5 receiving per game.

Hayward will have to keep Hill in front of him and eliminate the dink and dunk plays turning into big plays. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins will have a bigger role as he needs to come up and make plays from the single high role, whether that be as an open-field tackler or breaking up deep passes.

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First injury report for Chargers ahead of matchup vs. Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers released their first injury report ahead of their Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chargers had their first practice ahead of the Week 11 matchup against the Chiefs, which was held at Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

Here is the full injury report:

Six players did not practice on Thursday.

Offensive tackles Russell Okung’s (groin) status remains up in the air. If Okung can’t play, rookie Trey Pipkins will get the start at left tackle. Meanwhile, Sam Tevi (knee), who’s recovering from a minor surgery, won’t play. Trent Scott will start at right tackle.

Defensive tackle Cortez Broughton (illness) remains out of practice while dealing with mono. Meanwhile, Justin Jones was a full participant and all signs are pointing to him playing on Monday. Jones hasn’t played since Week 6.

Los Angeles was also without running back Justin Jackson (calf), wide receiver Geremy Davis (hamstring) and long snapper Cole Mazza (illness).

If Mazza can’t play, the Chargers will have to make a roster move prior to the game.

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4 Chiefs players the Chargers must game-plan for in Week 11

The Chiefs are a talented team, but Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out who the Chargers must really hone in on.

The Chargers are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive, while the Chiefs are looking to get back on track after losing their last four of six games in Week 11 of the regular season.

With an enticing division battle set for Monday night, here are four Chiefs players that the Bolts have to game-plan for if they wish to come away with a victory.

QB Patrick Mahomes

It didn’t take long for Mahomes to establish himself as one of the best players in the league. After a season that resulted in winning the league’s most valuable player, he continues to take the league by storm. In eight games played, Mahomes has thrown for 2,628 passing yards, 18 touchdowns and only one interception.

The former Texas Tech product missed two games with a knee injury, but he quickly recovered and nearly put up a career-high game against the Titans, passing for 446 yards.

Mahomes can beat you in a multitude of ways, whether it be with his cannon of an arm or with his legs to evade the pocket. The Chargers will need to pressure him early and often, not only with defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, but additional pass rushers off the edge to make him feel uncomfortable and to keep him off the field.

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