Stuff to remember from Chiefs vs. Chargers
Patrick Mahomes looks more than capable and potentially excellent
The Chiefs quarterback demonstrated he could lead a successful NFL offense and find his playmakers consistently. Though Mahomes doesn’t exactly spray the ball all over the field he is given the opportunity regularly to air it out and find targets downfield. He was able to complete plenty of these bullet passes throughout the game several to Tyreek Hill, one to Sammy Watkins and a beautifully weighted pass to Anthony Sherman for a touchdown, proving that when he is aware he is able to adjust the flight on his passes. He did fire a few to his receivers too hard but for a player in his 2nd NFL game he looks like a signal caller who can manage the game and get Tyreek Hill the ball, which is clearly how they will win most of their games. He moved around in the pocket smoothly and ran efficiently when called upon, he appears to be a definite starter and he could be a future top 10 quarterback.
The Chiefs defense is likely as bad as last year
The Chiefs secondary allowed far too many Chargers receivers to get behind them for deep balls, which they may have dropped but they were wide open nonetheless. More reliable wideouts will tear apart this secondary and put much more pressure on Mahomes and the offense to put up close to 40 very often. And up front the defensive line allowed large holes to open up for Melvin Gordon and Austin Eckler to keep moving the chains. The linebackers couldn’t keep up with them in coverage either as they caught 14 passes between them for 189 yards. The only highlight was Dee Ford who had a sack and 4 QB hits, he was the only threat to Rivers in the pocket all night. They may survive against lesser offenses but they don’t really stand a chance against the league’s best.
The Chargers’ receivers could have won the game
The aforementioned dropped deep balls by the Los Angeles receivers probably cost them the game, halting their progress on multiple occasions and suggesting Keenan Allen is the only reliable target other than the running backs. Travis Benjamin and Tyrell Williams are clearly able to get open deep in the secondary but if they can’t catch what Rivers sends their way the Chargers’ offense will struggle to be explosive enough to win high scoring games like this one. Not to take away from Rivers, Allen, Eckler or Gordon who performed well but it turns out all those weapons still weren’t enough.
Derwin James should live up to expectations
LA’s rookie safety was seen as a steal in the draft, which seems to be true for now, the athletic safety sacked Mahomes, hit him another time and deflected 2 passes. This is the exact sort of production they want from a young player in such a highly regarded secondary, he is a very dangerous blitzer and a strong tackler a physical component this coverage focussed group needed. He may not be consistent at this point but a defensive player who can make the plays he did on Sunday already is clearly a potential top-flight starter.
