In Week 4 of the NFL, the Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to improve their record to 4-0 and secure a comfortable win in the 2024 season. However, they face a tough challenge against the Los Angeles Chargers at their home stadium, where the Chiefs have not lost since 2013, but their last five wins have been by a narrow margin.
First quarter
The Chargers won the coin toss and chose to defer their decision to the second half, giving the Chiefs the ball to start the game at the 30-yard line after a touchback.
Kansas City gained momentum early with a 38-yard pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes to tight end Travis Kelce. However, a fumble by rookie running back Carson Steele on the next play gave the Chargers possession deep in their territory at the 26-yard line.
Los Angeles utilized the running game to move down the field smoothly, avoiding third downs during their 10-play drive. Quarterback Justin Herbert connected with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey for a touchdown in the red zone, putting the Chargers ahead 7-0.
Mahomes threw an interception on the next drive, giving the Chargers possession once again. Despite penalties, the Chiefs’ defense held the Chargers to a field goal, making the score 10-0.
Kansas City struggled on their third drive and went three and out, ending with a sack on Mahomes. They were forced to punt the ball away.
The Chiefs’ defense faced challenges with penalties on the next drive, ending the first quarter with a second and long situation.
Second quarter
Kansas City’s pass rush pressured Herbert on third-and-long, forcing an incompletion and a punt by the Chargers.
Running back Kareem Hunt made a solid run for the Chiefs, but they failed to convert on third down, resulting in a punt.
The Chiefs’ defense stopped the Chargers on third down to force a punt, giving Kansas City another opportunity on offense.
Kansas City moved the ball into Chargers territory but faced third and long, leading to a punt with five minutes left in the quarter.
A strong defensive stand by the Chiefs pinned the Chargers deep in their territory, leading to a touchdown pass from Mahomes to rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, bringing the score to 10-7.
Injuries
Wide receiver Rashee Rice left the game with a knee injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Special Teams
Punter Matt Araiza had a successful first punt that pinned the Chargers at the 19-yard line, and his second punt was fair caught at the six-yard line.
