By Terrance Turner
Sept. 26, 2021
Turnovers and poor defense once again torpedoed the Kansas City Chiefs today at Arrowhead Stadium. In today’s game versus the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City suffered four turnovers on its first four possessions, including the second straight fumble by running back Clyde Edwards. The Chargers took advantage of the turnovers and a consistently poor Chiefs run defense to win.
There was trouble from the very start. Early on, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes threw a pass to number 85, but the ball bounced off his hands and into the hands of Chargers defender Asante Samuel Jr.
The Chargers were unable to convert the pick into points. But their defense later knocked the ball out of receiver Tyreek Hill’s hands. That second takeaway led to points. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw a jump pass to receiver Keenan Allen for the touchdown. But the extra point was no good.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire fumbled again, for the second straight game. Chargers once again took advantage of turnover. Herbert threw to Austin Ekeler for the touchdown. La decided to go for two-point conversion; try was successful. 14-0.
Chiefs a mounted scoring drive near end of half, and kicker Harrison Butler drilled a field goal to make it 14-3 at halftime.
The Chiefs also scored on their opening drive of third quarter. Mahomes threw to Jody Fortson, who leapt up in the end zone for the touchdown. Butker’s extra point was good. Chargers went three and out. Kansas City took over.
After a 9-minute drive, the Chiefs struck gold. Mahomes threw to Edwards-Helaire, who redeemed himself with a 10-yard touchdown run. They took a 17-14 lead.
The Chargers embarked on a long drive to end the third quarter and begin the fourth. Herbert injured his hand on one throw but stayed in the game and managed to throw another touchdown, this time to Mike Williams.
Chiefs answered with a lengthy drive of their own. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman barreled his way through the LA defense into the end zone for the touchdown. Hardman’s touchdown capped a 12-play, 72-yard drive and kicker Harrison Butker’s extra point kick was good. That gave Kansas City back the lead; they led 24 to 21 with just 6:43 remaining.
The Chargers ate up nearly all of the clock with a 6 minute drive that involved two goal line stands. The chargers made it to first and goal but were hampered by penalties. On 3rd down and goal, Tyrann Mathieu sacked Herbert, but another member of the Chiefs defense got flagged for pass interference. That gave the Chargers a fresh set of downs, and the Chiefs were (as usual) unable to stop their opponent from scoring. LA finally cashed in with a field goal to tie the game.
Kansas City got the ball back but achieved nothing on its drive, and LA got the ball back. They cashed in with a touchdown when Herbert found Mike Williams in the end zone. But once again, the extra point kick was no good, due to gusty winds. It didn’t matter. the Chargers won 30-24 after a failed Kansas City drive. The Chiefs are now 1-2 for the season.
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