Kansas City Chiefs: Getting to know Los Angeles Chargers before week 11

In Week 11, on Monday Night Football in Mexico City, the Kansas City Chiefs square off against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first of the teams’ two games against each other this season.

Both teams are coming off losses. The Kansas City Chiefs badly faltered in the final two minutes against the Tennessee Titans in Week 10 to lose 35-32 while the Chargers were outplayed the Oakland Raiders last Thursday night in a 26-24 loss.

To get to know the Chargers better, I’ve reached out to Jason Reed, the site expert of L.A. Sports Hub, FanSided’s local Los Angeles site.

Here’s my Q-&-A with Jason.

What’s your feeling about the Chargers regarding the rest of the season?

HIT IT 🎸@AustinEkeler | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/AYeDfHLVE9
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 8, 2019

Reed: The Chargers should have the talent to make a run for a wild-card spot, but they have proven time and time again that they are only going to shoot themselves in the foot. It is hard to get excited about the rest of the season for the Chargers, as I know they will get the fans’ hopes up one week only to disappoint the following week. If they can beat the Chiefs this week, then the door re-opens for the playoffs. If not, I think their season is over playoffs-wise.

How do fans feel about this home game taking place in Mexico City?

Reed: Honestly, I don’t think the fans really care all that much considering the Chargers don’t have much of a fan base, regardless. As a Charger fan myself, I can tell you that it does not matter to me that this game is in Mexico City, in fact, the team might actually have more fans at this game because of their connection to the Mexican fan base from San Diego, if that connection still exists.

Philip Rivers leads the league in passing right now but the team’s still just 4-6. Is he part of the team’s future?

Reed: That one is tough and I think it is ultimately up to Philip. The Chargers have a good enough core, that is also young, that they can contend for the next 1-3 years after this year, as long as they do not suffer then insurmountable injuries that they suffered this season. I think he has three more years max with the team and whether he stays or goes, I think the team will draft a quarterback this year as they might actually have a decent draft pick.

What’s the best chance for the Chargers defense to slow down the Chiefs offense?

Reed: Pressuring Patrick Mahomes is the obvious answer here. We saw it two weeks ago with Aaron Rodgers and if the Chargers can get that same pressure on Mahomes then they can definitely slow things down. Mahomes has not been as lethal this season as last season, but there is always the threat of him dropping a 500-yard game. A 4-6 team against Mahomes can’t play conservative for that reason, they have to be aggressive.

On offense, what Charger(s) will be key to victory?

Reed: The Chargers’ offense has had the most success when they get the running backs involved. It is no secret that the offensive line is a dumpster fire and when the offense gets the running game going it takes less pressure off Philip, creates fewer drop-backs and allows the team to actually run on early downs rather than being forced to pass on all three downs. If the running game is not going, getting the running backs involved in the passing game is key. Those outlet passes and screens are magic with Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon and I would like to see the Chargers adopt that as their identity rather than letting Rivers air it out on important downs and drives, as that has not worked.

How do you see the rest of the Chargers season playing out?

Reed: I already kind of mentioned this earlier, it will be a roller coaster of highs and lows and I would not be surprised if the team wins this game only to lose next week. The Chargers have not lost a single game by more than one possession this season and they will continue to be in every single game, some of which they come up short, others they capitalize on. I foresee an 8-8 finish for the team.

Lastly, give me a score: who wins on Monday?

Reed: We already did our staff predictions for the game on LA Sports Hub so I have to run with the same score prediction: 30-28, Kansas City Chiefs. I think the Chargers’ offense will have success and score four touchdowns but the Chiefs will score six times, three by a touchdown and three by a field goal. The Chargers will get the ball back with two or fewer minutes left in the game and will come up short on the final drive. In fact, we have not seen a heartbreaking missed field goal yet this year. I would not be surprised if the Chargers have a chance to tie or take the lead only to miss the kick in Mexico City.

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Next. Four Things to Watch vs Chargers in Week 11. dark

Again, a big thank you to Jason Reed at LA Sports Hub. Be sure to check out that site for all things sports related when it comes to Los Angeles.

And here’s to his prediction coming true! At this point, I’ll take a Chiefs win in any shape or form.

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