Patrick Mahomes-Travis Kelce connection sparks Chiefs' thrilling SNF win over Chargers
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Who says lighting can’t strike twice?
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce stung the Los Angeles Chargers again on Sunday night to spark the Kansas City Chiefs to a 30-27 victory at SoFi Stadium.
They connected on three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter and a game-winning 17-yard score with 31 seconds left, that was so reminiscent of their last visit here. In a Sunday primetime game in December 2021, Kelce and Mahomes also lit up the Chargers in crunch time – with Kelce’s 34-yard TD in overtime clinching a win after he forced the extra period with a late fourth-quarter TD.
Now this. Kelce streaked to the end zone after Mahomes hit him in stride as he ran a drag route across the field to get open for the final dagger that capped a 6-play, 75-yard drive.
Better than last time?
“This one feels damn good, I know that,” Kelce said. “Obviously, I put the other one in the back pocket.”
Kelce’s six-catch, 115-yard night earned him a spot in the NFL record book as he logged his 33rd 100-yard game, moving him past Rob Gronkowski for most career 100-yard games by a tight end.
“Obviously, Travis is Travis,” said Mahomes, who completed 20 of 34 passes with the three TDs and didn’t have a pick. “Greatest tight end of all-time. He makes plays like that, that win games.”
Kelce’s big night enabled the Chiefs (8-2) to win their fourth consecutive game and leave town with a commanding three-game lead in the AFC West. A week after falling at San Francisco, the Chargers (5-5) have stumbled in back-to-back weeks against projected Super Bowl contenders.
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Three other things we learned on Sunday night:
Isiah Pacheco was one of the NFL draft's biggest steals
Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco continued his strong rookie impression by posting his first career 100-yard game (15 carries, 107 yards), which lessened the blow of Kansas City losing Clyde Edwards-Helaire to an ankle injury. And what a bargain. The Chiefs picked Pacheco out of Rutgers in the seventh round with the 251st pick overall. It was easy to see why Pacheco’s role has steadily increased. Speed. If not on bursts up the middle, Pacheco sometimes beat defenders to the edge and turned the corner.
Keenan Allen is healthy again
The star wideout caught a 17-yard pass on the Chargers’ first snap from scrimmage. It was a great icebreaker and a good omen. Allen, active in just two games this season before Sunday due to a hamstring injury (and re-aggravation) held up well while playing limited snaps. Sure, there was a lost fumble in the fourth quarter. But he bounced back with a huge 46-yard catch that keyed a go-ahead TD drive. Allen, who also moved the chains for first downs on his first two receptions, finished with five catches for 94 yards. Conversely, fellow receiver Mike Williams’ return from an ankle injury wasn’t as smooth. Williams didn’t return after re-injuring the ankle on a beautiful toe-tap reception along the sideline in the first quarter.
WATCH: Keenan Allen makes 46-yard catch in return from hamstring injury
The tests for Patrick Mahomes’ supporting cast are piling up
Already without injured starting receivers Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster, the Chiefs offense endured a couple more blows as running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle) and receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring) left with injuries. Pacheco handled the extra backfield duty and Travis Kelce was splendid again (six catches, 115 yards) in producing a three touchdown night. But it’s surely a war of attrition.
Chiefs defense has some serious pass-rushing rhythm
Kansas City sacked Justin Herbert five times, marking the third time in four games that it has notched five sacks. Chris Jones and Mike Danna led the charge with each collecting a pair of sacks.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs defeat Chargers behind Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce
