Arrowhead Stadium will be rocking on a special Saturday night matchup as the Chiefs host the Chargers. This game looks like it could be for the division title. Although mathematically anything is still possible in the last two weeks of the regular season. The Chiefs were able to end their four game losing streak last week. The Chiefs got revenge on the Oakland Raiders in a very relieving effort for the team, as the Chiefs played one of their most sound games in a long time. Here are some Chiefs keys to victory for this big date with the Chargers.
Force the Chargers To Stop Kareem Hunt
Last week, Kareem Hunt was able to topple one hundred rushing yards for the first time in about two months. In order to slow down Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, the Chiefs need to stick with Hunt and the running game. Even if the running game is not off to a good start, the Chiefs have nothing to lose with Hunt and getting him back to an impressive level that he was at earlier in the season. The Chargers have played the run better lately, but Hunt looks rejuvenated, as does the offensive line after last week’s game against the Raiders.
Repeat the Pass Rush FromLast Week
Philip Rivers is playing the best football of his career. However, facing the Chiefs has usually been a mixed bag. The Chiefs defense had their most successful day in getting to the quarterback last week, sacking Derek Carr three times. As a result, Carr looked off-kilter during the game.
Rivers owns a quick release. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs disguise against Rivers in pre- snap. The Chiefs also forced Rivers into three interceptions thrown in the first meeting of the season. The Chargers have also turned the ball over thirty-five times since the start of last season.
Execute On Both Sides of the Ball In the Red zone
The offense appeared in rhythm versus the Raiders. However, the Chiefs offense stalled in the red zone. Converting two of four scoring chances inside the 20 against the Chargers will fail. The Chiefs defensive resurgence shows that the Chiefs defense ramped up effectiveness in key situations. The third down pass defense that the Chiefs executed last week is a good sign. If the Chiefs defense can continue to excel, the offense could actually relax and not feel pressed to score on every drive, no matter field position.