In their first division game of the 2021 season, the Kansas City Chiefs were overpowered by the Los Angeles Chargers. The offense struggled to find consistency and turnovers were obviously costly. Meanwhile, the defense was much more physical up front. The secondary was lost in space, however.
Now, the Chiefs sit at 1-2. They are at the bottom of the AFC West. Kansas City has now lost consecutive games for the first time since October 2019. Furthermore, this is the first time that this team has been below .500 since 2015. That makes this a first for Patrick Mahomes as Chiefs quarterback.
While that is not a comfortable situation to be in, there were some improvements made in Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. What were some of the top things we learned from the Chiefs performance? Plus, which players’ stocks are rising or falling entering Week Four? Let’s kick it off.
Around FPC
NFL: Game Recap: Bengals Defeat Steelers 24-10
NFL: Patriots By The Numbers: Offense Sputters In Loss To Saints
NFL: Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith on His Way to Having All-Pro Season
NHL: New York Islanders Are Going All-In This Season
Wrestling: WWE Remains In Denial About AEW
PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 9: Can Tom Brady Play Until 50? Week 2 Picks and Preview
Top Five Things We Learned
The Chiefs Beat Themselves
Most of the time in recent years, the Chiefs have beaten themselves rather than being totally dominated. Super Bowl LV was truly the only time where we have seen Kansas City get embarrassed since 2018. The same was true on Sunday. That is in no way to discredit the play of the Chargers.
Nonetheless, if the Chiefs do not turn the ball over four times they likely still score 30 points or even 40 points. Sometimes losses are simple to look back on. There were certainly some other leading factors to Kansas City’s loss. But, carelessness and poor ball security must be heavily improved on moving forward. You have to be almost perfect offensively every week if you have multiple giveaways.
Mahomes Looked Uncomfortable
It was not Mahomes’ worst start of his career. The second half was mostly strong, in terms of decision making and putting the ball in places where only his guys could catch it. The last interception was the first major mistake from Mahomes in the latter portion of the game.
Earlier on, he looked uncomfortable in the pocket. The mantra of stepping up in the pocket and hitting on quicker throws when available needs to be stressed from Andy Reid. Mahomes took too long on some drop backs. This resulted in throwaways, forced passes into coverage, or a sack or quarterback hit. When using improvisation, there is not much better at the position than Mahomes. Finding where and when it is best to use it is currently a work in progress for this present Chiefs offense.
The Front Seven Can Thrive With This Effort
After missing tackles, failing to fill gaps and reacting slowly the week before, the Chiefs front seven displayed a spirited effort on Sunday. Mike Danna got the only sack on Justin Herbert and three total quarterback hits. His effort and hustle was much needed without Frank Clark. Anthony Hitchens and Nick Bolton delivered some massive hits and better run fits at linebacker. Finally, Jarran Reed sparked some energy for the defensive interior.
When this group flies around, the Chiefs can usually remain in comfortable down and distances on defense. The tackling was aggressive and the Chargers respected that by not running meaningless rushes up the middle. Can the Kansas City front seven carry that over to next week?
The Wide Receiver Room Remained Stagnant
Despite Mahomes’ inefficiencies throughout periods of the game, the wide receiver room was highly unreliable. Byron Pringle failed to live up to increased opportunities. Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman failed to separate. Their roles have to grow in order for this Chiefs offense to expand.
The most concerning part of the wide receivers may be Tyreek Hill. It is not due to any performance concerns or lack of ability, obviously. The defenses are taking Hill away too easily right now. Maybe it was due to the early fumble, but number 10 for Kansas City felt handcuffed throughout much of the contest.
West Is Best?
With the Chiefs in last place, the AFC West is wide open. Kansas City has all the makings of being able to comeback and re-stake their claim in the division. On the other hand, the Broncos have not felt much pressure from any of their opponents. They are back to playing suffocating defense at all three levels, while also leaning on a dominant running game and offensive line. Las Vegas is seeing some of the best play we have ever seen from quarterback Derek Carr. The Raiders defense has surprised early as well. Lastly, the Chargers possibly have the best roster and best quarterback among the Chiefs challengers. The AFC West race will be highly entertaining and just as competitive down the stretch.
-
EP 136: Week 3 Studs and Duds
by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 7:01 pm
Report Cards
Winners
The Front Seven
We mentioned the refined tackling and more disciplined assignments earlier. The number one thing that stood out for the front seven was the run defense. Sure, Austin Ekeler still had some positive attempts on occasion. The Chiefs were better at corralling and pursuing the run, however. LA finished with just 3.5 yards per carry and the longest rush of the day was 11 yards.
Travis Kelce
Like normal, Travis Kelce was the reliable go to guy in crucial situations. He continued to shake off tight coverage for yards after the catch. Kelce finished the day with seven catches and 104 receiving yards (14.9 yards per reception). Just when you think the tight end needs a quick breather, he continues to roll at a high level without slowing down.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Yes, there was another fumble placed on the ground by Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He played his best game of the season despite that, though. The LSU product fought hard for extra yardage. He did a great job of using patience, reading blocks and continuing to move north up the field. Running with that confidence and control was encouraging to see. CEH finished right at 100 yards rushing for 5.9 yards per carry. Additionally, he executed a screen pass to perfection for a touchdown.
Deandre Baker
The majority of the Chiefs secondary struggled throughout the day against Herbert, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Quietly, Deandre Baker played a sound game. His press man coverage ability allowed for his defensive line teammates to chase after the quarterback after elongated drop backs. His coverage was tight and his reads were mostly correct. The late defensive pass interference call felt questionable at best. Honestly, Baker appeared to have used tremendous technique on the far side. He showed why he should not have been a healthy inactive, like he was for the first two games.
Losers
The Rest Of The Secondary
Other than Baker, it was a day to forget for the Chiefs defensive backs. Daniel Sorensen has not had a great start to the season. His toughness at the catch point from last year is seemingly gone right now. Moreover, Mike Hughes and L’Jarius Sneed panicked when the Chargers went right after them time and time again. Both struggled with sticking to the opponent’s hip in space. Sneed also took a brutal late penalty when the pass rush had actually hurried Herbert’s throw.
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes was off on Sunday. It is as simple as that. His ball placement was all over the place throughout the entire game. Mahomes was late with his timing, whether it be on his movement within the pocket or on his throws over the middle. Also, the passer looked more pressed than anything when he attempted to improvise outside of the pocket. It was a well run game plan by the Chargers back seven, as it left Mahomes indecisive during vital moments of the game.
Byron Pringle And Marcus Kemp
After only receiving 11 snaps in the previous game, the opportunity grew for Pringle. His strong performance against the Ravens was a result of hard work after the catch and solid hands. The switch was flipped on Sunday against the Chargers. Pringle only caught two of his six targets. On the final drive, he dropped a perfect pass right in the deep middle part of the field. Perhaps a catch there gives the Chiefs a better shot at trying to win the game.
On the flip side, Marcus Kemp dropped a wide open pass. The throw was not necessarily perfect by Mahomes and it led to an interception. Yet, Kemp must be able to cash in on those opportunities, especially when he is primarily a special teams ace.
Red Zone Defense
Late in the game, the Chargers offense was forced to settle for a field goal. Los Angeles had no issues before that, though. Herbert made quick decisions and was nearly perfect with his accuracy. Throwing lanes were left open to both underneath routes and towards the outside of the field. To boot, the Chargers had some of their most significant offensive line push when running the ball inside the Chiefs’ own 20 yard line. Kansas City will eventually have to stop giving up this high amount of touchdowns to opponents once they enter the red zone.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
-
Ep 171: Discussing The Career Of George Kunz With Son Mattby Full Press Coverage on September 23, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Clark and Ira are joined by Matt Kunz, son of former Colts lineman George […]
-
Ep 170: The 1986 Giants With Gary Myersby Full Press Coverage on September 15, 2023 at 9:44 pm
HOF voter and author Gary Myers joins Clark and Ira to discuss his new […]
-
Ep 169: Discussing Art Powell and the AFL With Historian Todd Tobiasby Full Press Coverage on September 3, 2023 at 3:04 pm
AFL historian Todd Tobias joins Clark and Ira to talk Art Powell and the […]
-
Ep 168: Hall of Fame Finalist Randy Gradishar Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on August 24, 2023 at 8:44 pm
Former Broncos linebacker and member of the Orange Crush Defense, Randy […]
-
Is this Penn State team ready to challenge Ohio St. & Michigan ?by LandryFootball.com on September 27, 2023 at 10:00 am
Look through the list of Big Ten East Division champions and it’s easy […]
-
Film Room Nuggets--The Bears & Jets QB situation & Broncos off to rough start under Paytonby LandryFootball.com on September 26, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Week 3 is still early in the NFL season, but some teams are already facing […]
-
Ep 307: FAAB Talk and Taylor Swiftby Full Press Coverage on September 27, 2023 at 1:55 am
-
Ep 306: Week 2 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on September 14, 2023 at 3:06 am
-
Ep 305: TE Target Totals from Week 1by Full Press Coverage on September 12, 2023 at 2:28 am
-
Ep 304: The NFL Season Is Hereby Full Press Coverage on September 7, 2023 at 3:13 am
-
Ep 185: Week 4 Preview vs Lionsby Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 12:36 am
A solo Senra show. For this episode, Kyle Senra previews the upcoming […]
-
Ep 184: Week 3 Instant Reactionby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 12:47 am
The Green Bay Packers were in another 1-point game, this time a 18-17 win […]
-
Full Press Wild - 9-27 - Recapping the Wild’s preseason loss to Dallas.by Full Press Coverage on September 27, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Preseason, Stars, Wild Learn more about your ad choices. Visit […]
-
Renegades Of Puck Ep 797by Charlie Saunier on September 27, 2023 at 5:01 am
Renegades Of Puck Ep 797 The Renegades Of Puck Recap Last Season, […]
-
Full Press Kraken - 9-26 - Preseason games, numbers, notes.by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 10:15 pm
Reviewing the split squad games and numbers Learn more about your ad […]
-
Full Press Blackhawks - 9-26 - Connor Bedard & Lucas Reichel stealing the show in training campby Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 3:30 pm
Blackhawks’ front office changing up and takeaways from Blackhawks’ […]
-
Full Press Hurricanes - 9-26 - Hockey is Finally Back!!!!by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 2:00 pm
The preseason for the Carolina Hurricanes begins today which means hockey […]
-
ROP Special Commentary: Independence Dayby Charlie Saunier on September 26, 2023 at 5:01 am
ROP Special Commentary: Independence Day Learn more about your ad choices. […]
-
9/26 - Eagles/Bengals Win On MNF, Mac Jones, and Much Moreby Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Ian and John discuss the Eagles and Bengals wins on Monday Night Football, […]
-
9/25 - Week 3 Reactions, Dolphins Hang 70, Biggest Disappointmentsby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 1:46 pm
Ian and John react to a fascinating Week 3 in the NFL and talk about some […]
-
9/22 - 49ers Move To 3-0, Week 2 Picks and Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on September 22, 2023 at 1:58 pm
Ian and John discuss the 49ers win over the Giants on Thursday Night […]
-
9/21 - Thursday Night Football Preview; NFL MVP Talkby Full Press Coverage on September 21, 2023 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John preview Thursday Night Football between the Giants and 49ers […]
-
9/19 - Monday Night Recap, State of Quarterback Play, 2-0 Teamsby Full Press Coverage on September 19, 2023 at 2:08 pm
Ian and John discuss MNF and talk about the state of quarterback play. […]
-
9/18 - Week 2 Headlines; Monday Night Football Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on September 18, 2023 at 2:05 pm
Ian and John discuss some of the headlines from Sunday's action, some […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
Ep 307: FAAB Talk and Taylor Swiftby Full Press Coverage on September 27, 2023 at 1:55 am
-
EP 136: Week 3 Studs and Dudsby Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 7:01 pm
-
Lions at Packersby Broken Controller Media on September 26, 2023 at 3:15 pm
-
Sacramento Kings Previewby Broken Controller Media on September 26, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
9/26 - Eagles/Bengals Win On MNF, Mac Jones, and Much Moreby Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 2:04 pm
-
Hang Ten and Bali - Sep. 25, 2023by Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Ep 185: Week 4 Preview vs Lionsby Full Press Coverage on September 26, 2023 at 12:36 am
-
Full Press MMA - 9-25 - Israel Drinks & Drives while Colby hates Stricklandby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 5:00 pm
-
Portland Trail Blazers Previewby Broken Controller Media on September 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
9/25 - Week 3 Reactions, Dolphins Hang 70, Biggest Disappointmentsby Full Press Coverage on September 25, 2023 at 1:46 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face "The Rock Says..."by Boot 2 The Face on September 24, 2023 at 3:12 pm
On this episode of B2TF we talk AEW, WWE, NXT, Becky Lynch, Jey Uso, Raw, […]
-
Boot 2 The Face "She Was Portly"by Boot 2 The Face on September 14, 2023 at 11:57 pm
In the latest episode we talk Jey Uso and his move to Monday Night Raw. We […]
-
Shock Waves in Pro Wrestling: A McMahon No Longer Owns WWEby Full Press Coverage on September 27, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again as he discusses the history made as Vince […]
-
Wrestling World is Changing: From CM Punk To Vince McMahon to LA Knightby Full Press Coverage on September 14, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again joined by Justin Starr as they break the […]
-
Ep 183: The Sandmanby Full Press Coverage on September 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm
This week we're diving back into the extreme and looking at the career of […]