Keys to Victory for Chargers Against Chiefs This Week

The Los Angeles Chargers are in desperate need of a win as they prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs. After starting the season 0-5, things have gone about as badly as they possibly could for Jim Harbaugh’s team. The Chiefs have gotten off to a strong start, making this a difficult matchup for a Chargers team searching for answers. If they want to pull off the upset, there are three things they absolutely need to do.

1. Avoid the Turnovers

The Chargers cannot afford to keep giving the ball away. Justin Herbert has struggled during the team’s losing streak, and his costly interceptions have put the offense in difficult situations. Against a team like Kansas City, those mistakes can quickly turn a competitive game into a blowout.

Herbert needs to make smarter decisions and stop trying to force plays that simply aren’t there. The Chargers don’t need him to be Superman on every possession. They need him to take what the defense gives him and trust that the offense can put together sustained drives.

Kansas City has Patrick Mahomes leading its offense, and giving him extra possessions is a recipe for disaster. If the Chargers want any chance of winning, protecting the football has to be a priority from the opening kickoff.

2. Keep Justin Herbert Upright

The offensive line has been a major problem for the Chargers this season, and Herbert has taken too much punishment. It is difficult for any quarterback to find consistency when he is constantly under pressure, and Herbert’s struggles have only made matters worse.

Mike McDaniel needs to find ways to make life easier for his quarterback. Quick passes, screens and creative play designs can help neutralize the pass rush while giving Herbert opportunities to get the ball into his playmakers’ hands. Establishing the running game would also help keep Kansas City from attacking on every passing down.

Herbert is still the most important player on this roster, and the Chargers need to do a better job of protecting him. If he spends another afternoon running for his life, it will be difficult to expect much improvement from the offense.

3. Contain Kenneth Walker III

Kenneth Walker III gives the Chiefs another dangerous weapon on offense. If the Chargers allow him to establish the running game early, it will make life much easier for Mahomes and put additional pressure on the defense.

The Chargers need to win at the line of scrimmage, tackle consistently and prevent Walker from breaking off explosive runs. They also need to stay disciplined when he catches passes out of the backfield.

Stopping Walker won’t completely shut down Kansas City’s offense, but allowing him to control the game would make an already difficult matchup even tougher.

The Chargers have plenty of problems to fix, and beating Kansas City on the road won’t be easy. However, if they can avoid turnovers, protect Herbert and contain Walker, they will give themselves a legitimate chance to compete. With the season already heading in the wrong direction, a win over their division rival could provide the spark this team desperately needs.