Patrick Mahomes has experienced nearly every scenario imaginable in his 100 regular-season starts. So when the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves down 10-0 to the Los Angeles Chargers just 11 minutes into Sunday’s game, Mahomes remained calm, knowing there was plenty of time to turn things around.
Mahomes threw for 245 yards and a touchdown while reconnecting with Travis Kelce, but he credited his defense for sparking the Chiefs’ 17-10 comeback victory. The win pushed Kansas City to 4-0 for the first time since 2020, as the two-time defending Super Bowl champions showed their resilience.
“We weren’t playing well early on, but the best part is, and people are starting to talk about it more, our defense is really strong,” said Mahomes, who completed 19 of 29 passes. “They know how to close out games and keep us in it. They have faith that the offense will eventually score enough points to win.”
Chiefs Defense Sparks Comeback Victory
The Chiefs have now beaten the Chargers six straight times and hold an 11-game road winning streak against their AFC West rival. This streak is the longest active by a visiting team and tied for the third-longest in NFL history.
“I’m proud of our guys for sticking together. It could’ve easily gone the other way, but the team supported each other,” said Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
The Chiefs had to regroup after wide receiver Rashee Rice left the game in the first quarter with what could be a season-ending knee injury. Rice was injured while chasing Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton, who was returning an interception after a pass from Mahomes.
Kansas City Chiefs Extend Winning Streak Over Chargers
Despite two turnovers that resulted in 10 points for the Chargers (2-2)—a fumble by Carson Steele and Mahomes’ fifth interception of the season—the Chargers were held in check for the rest of the game. Known for their strong running game in their first two wins, the Chargers managed only 55 rushing yards, averaging just 2.3 yards per carry.
“We need to give Justin a little more time. He made some incredible throws and plays,” said Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh. “We need to evaluate how we respond from here. After the bye week, it’ll feel like starting the season over.”
Mahomes spread the ball to six different receivers, with Travis Kelce leading the way. Kelce had a season-high seven catches for 89 yards, setting the franchise record for career receptions, surpassing Tony Gonzalez. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy added three catches for 73 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter, which was Kansas City’s first score.
The Chiefs’ defense took advantage of a hobbled Justin Herbert, who was dealing with a high ankle sprain. The Chargers’ offensive line was also weakened by injuries to starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt.
“We were able to apply pressure in the second quarter and throughout the second half,” said Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill. “We knew their O-line was banged up, and we took advantage of their communication and chemistry issues down the stretch.”
Herbert was sacked twice by Chris Jones and hit 10 times on 31 dropbacks. After completing all seven of his first-quarter passes, he struggled the rest of the game, finishing 9 of 20.
“They’re great at pressuring the quarterback. We were expecting that and thought we prepared well,” said Herbert, who completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. “The offensive line did a good job, but we need to be better overall.”
Following Steele’s fumble, Herbert led the Chargers on a 10-play drive, capped by a 7-yard touchdown pass to Ladd McConkey. Herbert absorbed a big hit from Chiefs defensive end Malik Herring but still delivered a perfect throw past safety Bryan Cook.
Cameron Dicker’s 50-yard field goal extended the Chargers’ lead to 10-0 after Fulton intercepted Mahomes’ pass intended for Kelce and returned it 29 yards. Although Rice managed to punch the ball loose, a video review determined he was out of bounds when forcing the fumble, allowing the Chargers to retain possession.
The Chiefs struggled offensively early, committing two turnovers and going three-and-out on four of their first five drives. However, they found their rhythm late in the second quarter.
After forcing a Chargers three-and-out, the Chiefs took over at their 46-yard line. Mahomes quickly connected with Worthy for a deep 54-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 10-7. Worthy, a speedy rookie receiver, outran Fulton on a go route and caught the ball 3 yards deep in the end zone, with Mahomes’ pass traveling 62 yards in the air.
Harrison Butker’s 37-yard field goal tied the game at 10 in the third quarter, setting the stage for a hard-fought Chiefs victory.