The Chargers offense seemed up to to challenge of keeping up with the Chiefs offense in the first half but could not score in the second in a 31-17 loss.
After being torched by Kansas City’s offense in the first half, the Chargers responded in the second…
It still wasn’t enough.
The Chiefs’ seven-point halftime lead remained intact deep into the fourth quarter before they put the Chargers away with a late score 31-17.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce tormented the Chargers early. Mahomes finished 32 of 42 for 424 yards and four touchdowns and Kelce with 12 catches for 179 yards.
The presence of Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., who was questionable for the game but played despite an ankle injury, wasn’t enough in the first two quarters to dissuade Kelce.
As their defense gave them a chance, the Chargers’ offense was unable to produce any points after halftime. Their five possessions ended in two interceptions and three punts, each of which came following a three-and-out.
Justin Herbert was 17 of 30 for 259 yards and one touchdown. Joshua Palmer had five receptions for 133 yards.
The Chargers fell to 2-4 with their second straight loss and the AFC West-leading Chiefs improved to 6-1.
The brutal first half for the Chargers’ defense was summed up by Kansas City’s final possession when Mahomes needed only six plays to go 96 yards for a touchdown that put the Chiefs up 24-17.
