How the Chiefs offense can expose the Chargers defense

Is the Chiefs offense ready to rock against the Los Angeles Defense?

Coming off a tough last-minute loss in Baltimore, the Chiefs are looking into finding a way to get another in the win column. The offense was able to find the end zone four times and was on their way to get another score at the end of the game until the fumble which led to the Ravens winning. The fumble was an incredible play by the rookie defensive end Oweh and it opened up a lot of questions about how this Chiefs team plays when they have the lead. Many would point out the Chiefs were fantastic for about 38 minutes of the game but faltered late as the Ravens gained momentum. 

The good thing about this loss is it might have been the wake-up call the Chiefs needed, and they play against a defense that has had struggles in stopping the run. This is where the Chiefs can take advantage of the defense of the Chargers, they need to pound the ball and get Clyde Edwards-Helaire more touches. It may seem like it’s a simple plan, but it needs to be a simple plan to keep the ball out of the hands of Justin Herbert. 

Running the ball behind a physical offensive line of the Chiefs has been a recipe for success for all of the ball carriers this season, they are averaging close to 4.0 yards per carry this season from all running backs. They should have a good day on the ground if they choose to go that route because the Chargers are allowing close to 167 yards per game on the ground. Don’t just expect to see them do nothing but run, the Chiefs do have Patrick Mahomes after all.

The secondary of the Chargers is a good group, but it’s a young group in a new defensive scheme under their new head coach. Derwin James, Chris Harris, and Asante Samuel Jr. (I feel old just typing that) are all good players. But the Chiefs should take that challenge head-on, show no fear, and throw it to Travis Kelce as much as they can. Derwin James was in his rookie year the last time he played the Chiefs when he was healthy, so it should be fun to see if he shadows Kelce or not. Kelce is a big target who gets involved in a lot of different ways, so he should have a great game against the Chargers. 

Also, they should look at getting Byron Pringle and Mecole Hardman more touches because they will be focusing on Tyreek Hill so he doesn’t burn them like he did last season. Pringle looked really good against the Ravens he was able to get loose on a long touchdown run but was also able to make some tough catches in the first two weeks. Mecole also needs to get more touches so it opens up Tyreek against either Asante Samuel Jr or Chris Harris. I think the Chiefs are going to use their play-action passes or running game to expose the defense of the Chargers.