6 quick takes from Chargers’ overtime loss to Chiefs

In a rollercoaster of a game on Thursday night, the Chargers fell to the Chiefs in overtime, 34-28.

To recap Los Angeles’ loss to Kansas City in Week 15, here are six takeaways.

Missed opportunities

You discuss this game with anyone, and they will tell you that the Chargers should’ve won. Ultimately, the lack of execution inside the Chiefs’ five-yard line on three chances ended up being a major deciding factor, two turnover on downs, and a fumble by Joshua Kelley. Then, you have the turnover on down halfway through the third quarter when Los Angeles was on Kansas City’s 28-yard line, and Justin Herbert couldn’t connect with Jared Cook on 4th-and-2. The argument will be made that Brandon Staley should’ve just taken the points after the first two failures. Still, regardless, that’s not his philosophy, and he will choose to trust his offense, roll with the analytics, and be aggressive nearly every time. Remember, in their last meeting, the Bolts scored 14 points off drives where they decided to go for it on fourth down. They ended up winning by six points.

Dropped passes are still an issue

This ties into the first takeaway, but the Chargers can not expect to beat a team like the Chiefs when they continue to shoot themselves in the foot with dropped passes in crucial situations. On the night, the team had four based on the broadcast viewing, two coming from Mike Williams, one from Keenan Allen, and another from Cook. This has been ongoing all season, and it ended up biting them hard on Thursday.

Balanced offensive approach

Justin Herbert has run the show all season, but the backfield finally earned the spotlight on Thursday night, and it all started with the guys up front. Down three starters, the offensive line played a physical brand of football to pave the way. The Chargers finished with 39 carries for 192 yards (4.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. On the other hand, Herbert still had an impact on this game. He finished 22-of-38 passing for 236 yards, three scores (two passing, one rushing), and an interception. Furthermore, Herbert had success pushing the ball down the field, posting a 9.9-yard average depth of target while 50% of his attempts traveled past the first down marker.

Have yourself a day, Trey Pipkins

There wasn’t a player more scrutinized this week than Pipkins after it was announced that he would be getting the start in place of Rashawn Slater, who was ruled out with COVID-19. However, he made sure to quiet those with his product on the field. While the Chargers relied on RPOs, moving the pocket and quick passes to aid, Pipkins more than held his own when left on an island, and he generated plenty of push to clear lanes for the team’s ball carriers. It is just what Pipkins needed to earn the coach’s trust after a plethora of uneven performances the past couple of seasons.

Some other breakthrough performers

Pipkins wasn’t the only player who may have raised the eyebrows of some doubters. In particular, Justin Jackson and Jerry Tillery had a game. Jackson picked up the load while Austin Ekeler appeared to be affected by his ankle issue. He led the team in rushing with 13 carries for 86 yards (6.6 yards per carry). On the other hand, Tillery was a physical force in the trenches, getting pressure on Patrick Mahomes and making stops in the run game consistently.

Derwin James is a difference-maker

The Chargers held their own against the Chiefs’ high-powered offense for the most part, but that was until James left the game after his hamstring started acting up when the defense was left in shambles. In particular, Travis Kelce began exploiting the secondary that was made up of nearly 50% backups, including Trey Marshall, who surrendered five catches for 80 yards. With James on the field, Kelce had just one catch for 14 yards. Without James on the field, Kelce had a field day, posting nine catches for 177 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner.