The Chiefs’ Loss to the Chargers Exposed a Much Bigger Problem
The Chiefs opened their season with a 27–21 loss to the Chargers, and while a single defeat in September never defines a team, this one pointed to old issues that never got resolved. It further highlighted new challenges that shouldn’t be popping up in year three of this current roster core.
The jetlagged stumble quickly turned into a red flag factory. And by the time the fourth quarter ended, it was clear this wasn’t just about one game.
Defensive Line Pressure Failed on Key Downs
Kansas City’s defense struggled to rush Justin Herbert without extra help. Normally, the four starting linemen, Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, George Karlaftis, and Charles Omenihu, are expected to pressure the quarterback on their own. But they couldn’t get through consistently. That forced coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to send additional defenders after Herbert, a tactic called blitzing. The problem with blitzing is that it leaves fewer players in coverage, and Chargers QB Justin Herbert took advantage by finding open receivers. Even behind a patchwork offensive line, he faced little resistance.
Defensive tackle Chris Jones, a five-time Pro Bowler, returned to lead the pass rush. That should have opened lanes for edge rusher George Karlaftis, now playing under a second contract, and defensive end Charles Omenihu, who signed with the team in 2023. The two struggled to make their presence felt, despite facing limited protection from the Chargers.
Kansas City’s defensive line had trouble disrupting Justin Herbert on passing downs. Herbert often had enough time to scan the field and execute extended plays, which included deep crossers and play-action passes, without significant pressure up the middle.
Against better offensive units on the schedule, this lack of strain could become a long-term liability.
Secondary Coverage Created Gaps Across the Field
The safety group also struggled without veteran starter Justin Reid, who normally directs coverage alignments and handles deep responsibilities. In his place, rookie Jaden Hicks played extended snaps alongside second-year safety Bryan Cook. Hicks showed inexperience in key moments, even lost track of route combinations, and left the middle of the field exposed.
On a crucial third-and-long, he reacted late, which let the Chargers pick up an easy first down. In the slot, Chamarri Conner took most of the coverage snaps, but he struggled to stay tight on receivers when they made their cuts. That extra space gave Los Angeles several easy completions on short and mid-range routes.
Offensive Consistency Collapsed After Early Injury
On the third play of the game, Xavier Worthy collided with Travis Kelce and suffered a shoulder injury. The rookie receiver exited and didn’t return. With Rashee Rice suspended and Jalen Royals sidelined, the Chiefs lost all three young wideouts who featured heavily in the offseason plan.
That immediate setback derailed the offensive structure, and the team never recovered. The Chiefs started sluggishly and punted on their first two possessions with minimal yardage. Their first two drives produced just two first downs and fewer than 20 total yards. Meanwhile, the offense took too long to adapt, and the defense lacked urgency.
The offense also appeared unprepared after losing Xavier Worthy early. With no consistent vertical threat, the Chargers crowded short zones and clogged passing lanes. Kansas City’s run game produced little, and defensive adjustments didn’t resolve the ongoing pressure issues.