(Photo: NY Post)
AFC Game Of The Week
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs
Chargers: I’m still trying to get a feel for who they really are and I say that because they have all the potential in the world to be a good football team. All I see for them is inconsistency and that’s what baffles me. Let’s talk about that game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night. If there’s one downfall with the Los Angeles Chargers, it’s the defense by far. To this day, that still surprises me because Brandon Staley is a defensive minded guy and the fact they’ve been amongst one of the worst defenses in the league doesn’t sit well with me. Monday was the best I’ve seen this LA defense look in quite sometime. They finished tackles, got off the field and made stops. If anything, it was their offense that was in the way of them winning a football game and this is an offense led by a top five Quarterback in Justin Herbert and they are ranked in the top ten when it comes to passing, total offense and scoring. Only if their defense could play with more consistency, we’d be talking about one of the best teams possibly in the AFC. I think Brandon will be gone after this year because he doesn’t fit the criteria of a Head Coach and he makes some very questionable calls in games that end up costing his football team. He should’ve been fired after the Chargers blew the 27-point lead in Jacksonville during the Wild Card round this past January. I would’ve fired him on the field right after the game, similar to Herm Edwards being dismissed by Arizona State a few years ago. It’s week seven and the Chargers will travel to Arrowhead for a showdown with the defending Super Bowl champs.
Chiefs: Yes, they are 5-1, but they haven’t looked like the team we’ve become accustomed to seeing in these last few years. I’m talking about the offense that can strike at any time and put points on the scoreboard. I know the best is yet to come for them so I’m not worried because when you have the best Quarterback in the league, things will fall into place when they are supposed too. I feel their stride is approaching. I’ll say this and I’ve been asked all year so far about what’s wrong with the Kansas City Chiefs? I’ll just say it right here. They are bored! Watch in a few weeks or at the end of November, you will see the difference compared to now and say what you want, I can guarantee that they’ll still win this division, clinch one of the top two seeds in the AFC and be one of the final four teams standing two weeks before the Super Bowl takes place. Let me get this out the way. The Chiefs need a consistent second pass catcher in the worst way possible. Defenses know Mahomes is targeting Taylor, I mean Travis right away and after 87, who really scares you? They did bring back Mecole Hardman from the Jets a few days ago and it’s good to have a familiar face back on the field, but can he be consistent? I remember saying on Twitter that I would’ve called up the Bears at the time and asked for what they could give up to acquire Chase Claypool, but the Dolphins got to him. One thing I’ve noticed this year is they’ve been running the football more consistently and the defense has shockingly played well. If you know anything about this team, one side of the ball has always been stronger than the other. With the offense still trying to piece it together, the defense has held down the fort. Now, the big question is can this sustain going forward into January when it matters most? They’re back home for another divisional showdown on Sunday.
Chargers X-Factor: Eric Kendricks– He’s been a consistent playmaker since coming into the league. Eric is flying to the ball and wherever the ball travels, he will be there. He reads plays quickly, then he attacks downhill and there he is making a play. Eric is a very smart defensive player with the ability to know what play is coming before the offense actually snaps the ball. He’s the guy that makes sure everyone is where they need to be on the defense.
Chiefs X-Factor: Isiah Pacheco– Isiah is becoming more of an intricate part of the offense. You provide him with a lane and some wiggle room, he will take full advantage of it and he has the ability to burst his way into the second and third tiers of any defense. He’s been the best Running Back in Kansas City since the Kareem Hunt days. Isiah is explosive, decisively quick and knows how to make people miss in the open field.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. Sack Attack– For as much as the Chargers struggle on defense, believe it or not, they are tired for third in sacks with 21. Morgan Fox has recorded a sack in the last four games he’s played and Khalil Mack has been active up front as he usually is. The veteran has recorded seven sacks in his last two games combined, including six against the Raiders a few weeks ago. Now, can they keep this up against a much better Quarterback?
2. The Subway Bowl– It’s no secret that Mahomes and Herbert are the two best Quarterbacks in our league. I still remember their first meeting. It was in 2020 when Justin came in and took over for Tyrod Taylor. Even Patrick was impressed with how Justin was able to play on the fly and since then, these two meet up each year of course due to playing in the same division. This is a matchup I look forward too each year.
3. Welcome Home– Mecole Hardman is back for the Chiefs. The second I saw the Jets were looking to trade him, I immediately said to myself don’t be shocked if the Chiefs bring him back and days later, here we are. He’s familiar with this system and knows how to make plays for Mahomes and the offense. I still think they needed another guy to help stretch the field.
Final Thoughts: I’ve had the opportunity to preview the last three matchups between these two. The 2021 showdown was on a Thursday night and Kelce walked it off in overtime to push the Chiefs closer to another division title. Last season, they opened up Thursday Night Football with the Chiefs coming out on top and in November of 2022, The Chargers had the lead, but gave the Chiefs way too much time and they came away with the win. When you play Mahomes, it’s always key to keep him in the pocket and hit him behind the line of scrimmage. It’s easier said than done, but that’s what it takes. I need to see this Chargers offense and can they click more because for as good as their numbers are and where they’re ranked, I find them struggling under Kellen Moore. When these two meet up, there’s always a flair for the dramatics and I don’t expect anything less. I like the Chiefs here.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Chargers 27
