It seems that the Kansas City Chiefs still impart a level of fear in their division rivals, as the Los Angeles Chargers are attempting to play mind games ahead of a pivotal showdown. For the Chiefs, another loss would end already-thin playoff hopes and give the franchise an alarming divisional record that defies everything the AFC West has been under Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. With this in mind, it's not shocking that the Chargers are playing coy ahead of the matchup.
The Chargers' offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, went out of his way to offer Kansas City zero insight on how the options will be managed within the running game, with ESPN's Kris Rhim providing the comments.
"Greg Roman
"It's so fluid. It could change at a drop of a hat and I'm always going to go with the hot hand. You never know who that's going to be. So you get into the game, you find out who's got the hot hand and they'll get the bulk of the work. But right now I'm seeing two guys with the hot hand, so that's a good problem to have.""
The Chargers coach isn't going to let the Chiefs know whether it will be Omarion Hampton or Kimani Vidal expected to get the bulk of the carries in Week 15. A part of this could be true, as the two backs have shared carries. However, it remains more likely that Roman is simply searching for every possible advantage against an incredibly tough Steve Spagnuolo defense.
Chiefs' Rival Trying to Throw Off KC Defense Before Week 15 Showdown
This game isn't only vital for the Chiefs, but for a Los Angeles team in the thick of the wildcard race, attempting to hold off both Kansas City and the eight-win Indianapolis Colts, who remain on the fringes of the wildcard race. With this in mind, it makes sense that Los Angeles is using every tool at their disposal to attempt to prepare for a franchise that has previously dominated their matchups.
Since Patrick Mahomes joined Kansas City's roster, the Chiefs are 10-3 against their division rivals with the quarterback in the lineup. This includes a tough Week 1 loss that helped set up what has been an incredibly frustrating season for Kansas City fans. This game not only keeps your playoff hopes alive, but goes a long way in derailing the Chargers while avenging a Week 1 loss.
All of this adds up to explain why Roman feels the need to play games with who receives the bulk of the carries Sunday against the Chiefs. Regardless of what the answer might be, this is a Chiefs team that is in a do-or-die situation, with its defense being the most consistent aspect of the team.
While it is an understandable effort, it isn't a mind game that will greatly alter the defensive approach of Spagnuolo or change the intensity of the Kansas City defense. Still, it is a telling attempt to play with a division rival who simply isn't going to be shaken by the unknown.