The Chiefs played by far their best game of the season with a 21-point second quarter and a second-half shutout.
The Chiefs move to an AFC best 6-1 and have a three game lead over the next best team, the Las Vegas Raiders. This victory all but locks up the Chief’s eighth straight division victory for the Chiefs.
This complete game started with the defense. Even though Chris Jones was not able to get a ton of pressure, other players started with Charles Omenihue, who was coming off his six-game suspension. Omenehue was a part of the biggest defensive play of the game. With the Chargers driving down the field he was able to tip a pass that allowed the Chiefs to get an interception to keep the Chargers from closing the gap in the game. He was also able to get a sack and was able to pressure Justin Herbert multiple times.
George Karlaftis was also able to make an impact on the game. Since coming into the NFL Karlaftis has been able to beat offensive linemen but has struggled to make it all the way home. In this game, he was able to make it home and was able to get a sack.
The biggest injury to come out of the game was Nick Bolton. He came out of the game with a wrist injury. Andy Reid said after the game that it was a dislocation of his wrist. There is no timetable on how many games he is going to miss. Fortunately for the Chiefs, the linebacking core is one of the deepest parts of the team.
It was not just the defensive line getting the job done, the defensive backfield did its job. The Chiefs were able to limit the Chief’s killer Keenen Allen. He started the game hot but only finished the game with four receptions for 55 yards. Trent McDuffie and LaJarius Sneed played like elite duel corners, especially during the second half.
Unlike other great defensive stands, this year responded with great play. Patrick Mahomes finished the game with 424 yards. Travis Kelce was the leading receiver with 179 yards and a touchdown.
The rest of the receivers also contributed to the game. MVS had his best game of the year. He had 84 yards including a 46-yard reception. Rookie wideout Rashee Rice continues to advance in the offense. He had five receptions for 60 yards.
The most impressive part of the coffee was the pass blocking. Mahomes was able to make great plays because he was given plenty of time. He was only sacked one time and hit four times. Both tackles stepped up.
The Chiefs take on the Broncos next week in Denver.
