Sep 27, 2021

Chiefs commit four turnovers, come up short against Chargers Sunday

Posted Sep 27, 2021 12:58 AM
Photo by Tommy Rezac.
Photo by Tommy Rezac.

St. Joseph Post

(AP) —Justin Herbert’s touchdown toss to Mike Williams with 32 seconds to go lifted the Los Angeles Chargers (2-1) to a 30-24 victory over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday.

The Chargers capitalized on four Kansas City turnovers, including Patrick Mahomes’ second interception in the closing minutes. Herbert finished with 281 yards passing and four touchdowns without an interception, outdueling Mahomes in a matchup of two of the game's best young quarterbacks.

Mahomes finished with 260 yards and three touchdown passes along with his two interceptions. Kansas City (1-2) also lost two fumbles.

“You can't overcome four turnovers,” said Chiefs assistant Dave Toub, who took postgame questions, since coach Andy Reid was feeling ill. “I thought that was the story of the game.”

Coach Reid quickly left Arrowhead Stadium with an illness. He was feeling ill during the game, a team spokesman said, and NFL Network reported the 63-year-old coach was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The Chiefs did not provide additional comment on the report.

The Chiefs trailed 14-0 early but had climbed back into the game in the second half, taking a 24-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter. But the Chargers tied it on Tristan Vizcaino's short field goal, and after Mahomes was picked by Alohi Gilman with 1:42 to go, Herbert began the march for the go-ahead touchdown.

The Chiefs got to midfield in the closing seconds, but Mahomes' Hail Mary attempt to the end zone was incomplete.

“The defense did a great job stepping up today and forcing all those turnovers,” said Herbert, who found Williams seven times for 122 yards and two touchdowns. "I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Clyde Edwards-Helaire ran for 100 yards with a touchdown catch, but was responsible for one of two Kansas City fumbles.

Travis Kelce had seven catches for 104 yards. Mecole Hardman and Jody Forston also caught touchdown passes for the Chiefs.

“Nobody is happy with the way we played,” Mahomes said. “You take a loss to a division opponent, it's not a good thing. We haven't done a lot of that in my time here. It's how you respond. We have a long season ahead of us.”

The Chiefs are back on the road Sunday when they go to Philadelphia to face the Eagles. Kickoff is set for noon central. The game can be heard on Q Country 92.7 FM in St. Joseph.