The Chargers came away from Week 1 with a victory, but staying undefeated through Week 2 will be a tall task.
With a short week against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Los Angeles will have to come ready to play if they want to start 2-0 on the season.
Here are four reasons to be concerned about their chances:
No missed beats without Tyreek Hill
AFC West fans everywhere but Kansas City were elated to see Hill traded to Miami, hoping that the loss of his telepathic connection with Patrick Mahomes would result in a more down-to-earth Chiefs offense. Not so in Week 1, as Mahomes tossed five touchdowns and racked up 44 points against a hapless Cardinals defense. Travis Kelce, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Mecole Hardman, and Jody Fortson all had touchdown receptions. With Mahomes under center, Kansas City will always be a high-powered offense, and JC Jackson’s status is still unclear because of the short week. Keeping the Chiefs from running wild will be key to the Chargers’ success.
A much better offensive line
Last week’s previews mentioned frequently that the Raiders’ offensive line looked to be one of the worst in the league, and that bore out on Sunday. LA got home for six sacks, three of which came from Khalil Mack, including a game-clinching strip-sack of Derek Carr in the fourth quarter. But the Chiefs have much more talent up front than Vegas did. Orlando Brown, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, and Trey Smith make up one of the best groups in the league, even if right tackle Andrew Wylie isn’t at the same level. The Chargers’ pass rush will be tasked with proving they’re for real in this one.
Secondary talent upgrades
“Upgrade” here both in the sense that Kansas City is improved from last season and that their secondary is better than Las Vegas’. L’Jarius Sneed has continued to develop into one of the league’s better corners in his young career. Trent McDuffie played well in his debut before injuring his hamstring, which has made his status for Thursday unclear. Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid are a solid safety duo. Justin Herbert carved up the Raiders secondary on Sunday, looking like a top-three QB in the league. He has the talent to do so again against the Chiefs, but he’ll have to come out sharp to get LA going.
Crowd noise
Any time the Chargers visit Arrowhead, crowd noise is going to be a factor. It’s a divisional game, on national TV, with likely divisional and playoff implications down the road considering the talent of both teams. I’d expect it to be a playoff atmosphere. With a rookie right guard and newer receivers likely in the rotation because of Keenan Allen’s hamstring injury, some concern about offensive rhythm is justified. If the Chargers can overcome such an obstacle, it’ll be the first step in proving they can hang deep into January.
