Chargers give scare to Chiefs, who win after falling 10 behind

Justin Herbert, Chargers had chances to beat the Chiefs but limped at the finish line

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) yells in frustration after a drive stalls against the Chiefs.

Staff Writer

Sept. 29, 2024 Updated 7:12 PM PT

Facing a tie score in the fourth quarter for a second consecutive week, the Chargers lined up with a chance to make a strong statement. Fourth and one from the Kansas City three-yard line, Justin Herbert dropped back. Before he could even set his feet to pass, Kansas City’s Chris Jones was in the quarterback’s face.

Herbert could only throw the best chance to knock off their AFC West rival through the back of the end zone.

The quarterback played through a high-ankle sprain for a second consecutive week but couldn’t will his shorthanded team to an upset over the Chiefs, who did convert on their critical chances in the fourth quarter Sunday to win 17-10 at SoFi Stadium.

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions won their sixth straight game over the Chargers (2-2) with five of the six coming by one possession.

Outside linebacker Khalil Mack, now in his third season with the Chargers, said this week that the championship pedigree of the Chiefs shows up as the team “find[s] ways to win games.”

The statement he made with equal parts envy and awe in front of his locker Thursday played out on the field.

The Chargers (2-2) came up empty from the three-yard line. The Chiefs (4-0) pieced together the game-winning five-play, 60-yard drive in the fourth quarter that broke a 10-10 tie.

“We had a chance to do something special, man,” Mack said, “and wasn’t able to hold on to the rope when it mattered the most.”

Including a 20-10 loss to the Steelers last week, the Chargers have not scored a second-half point in consecutive games. The Chargers, who allowed just one red zone touchdown in the first three games, gave up the decisive score on a two-yard touchdown run by Samaje Perine.

The Chargers dominated the first quarter behind a shorthanded defense that forced takeaways on each of the Chiefs’ first two drives.

A fumble forced by Tuli Tuipulotu and recovered by Elijah Molden led to a seven-yard touchdown pass from Herbert to Ladd McConkey, who tapped his toes in the back of the end zone for his second NFL touchdown.

Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey (15) hauls in a touchdown pass in the first half behind Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6).

But Herbert got up from the play limping after absorbing a strong hit from Kansas City defensive end Malik Herring. Already hobbled with a high-right ankle sprain, Herbert was sacked twice and hit 10 times behind an offensive line without starting tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee).

Herbert finished with 179 yards and one touchdown on 16-of-27 passing.

“Gotta get him just a little bit more time,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Some of the throws he made, some of the plays he made were incredible.”

The patchwork offensive line that featured Sam Mustipher at starting right guard one day after the third-string center was elevated from the practice squad struggled in all aspects. The Chargers rushed for just 55 yards and had nine penalties, including five from offensive linemen.

Cornerback Kristian Fulton intercepted a pass in the second quarter and returned it 29 yards to the Kansas City 20. However, penalties by Mustipher and new left tackle Jamaree Salyer turned that opportunity into a 50-yard field goal and a 10-0 lead with 3:53 left in the first quarter.

That kept the Chiefs well within striking distance and they finally took advantage in the second quarter on a 54-yard touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Xavier Worthy to draw within three.

Chargers' injured starting offensive tackles Joe Alt (left) and Rashawn Slater watch action against the Chiefs.

“We gotta be more disciplined,” left guard Zion Johnson said. “But I think that’s the thing, that we can go to the drawing board, and fix those things and the future’s bright once we fix those things.”

The upcoming off week that at first seemed too early is now coming at the right time for the Chargers, who were also without safety Derwin James Jr. (suspension) and outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip).

Herbert, who played with an additional brace around his ankle Sunday, finished the game but came up limping after several hits. Getting Slater and Alt back will be necessary to stabilize an offense that wants to rely on its rushing attack, which has been held to 116 yards over the last two games.

Mack, now in his 11th year in the league, will focus on nursing his ailing hip and knee. After consecutive losses, however, the Chargers still are expected to practice once during the off week.

“Can’t really think about this as a bye week,” Mack said, “gotta think about it as a work week.”