What We Learned From Chiefs-Chargers

The Chargers finally broke free from their long divisional skid. Traveling to Brazil for their opener, Los Angeles carried with them years of frustration against Kansas City, having last defeated the Chiefs in September 2021. That baggage was left behind. In the second season under Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers opened with a bold shift from their 2024 run-heavy identity, instead unleashing a pass-first approach that caught Kansas City unprepared. Justin Herbert led a sharp opening drive to seize early momentum, and when it came time to close out the contest in the fourth quarter, the Chargers didn’t revert to conservative play-calling. They leaned on Herbert’s arm once again, sealing the win with another late touchdown march.

Kansas City, meanwhile, saw its defensive flaws exposed. Just two years removed from winning a Super Bowl built on a strong defensive unit, the current group looked vulnerable in its season debut. The secondary, depleted by offseason departures, was repeatedly exploited as Herbert piled up 394 total yards, including 318 through the air. The Chiefs resorted to heavy blitzing in the second half as a last-ditch effort, but Los Angeles anticipated it and struck with precision. Unless improvements are made quickly, this version of Kansas City may not resemble the dominant teams of recent years.

For the Chargers, concerns about their receiving corps quickly vanished. With Mike Williams retired, all eyes were on a unit thought to lack depth, but the return of Keenan Allen in August proved crucial. At 33 years old, Allen immediately brought stability and production, hauling in key catches and a touchdown. Quentin Johnston rose to the occasion with a career performance, scoring twice, while rookie Ladd McConkey added six grabs for 74 yards, rounding out a reliable trio. Their combined success gave Los Angeles the balance it sorely lacked a year ago and raised optimism about their offensive ceiling.

Kansas City’s offensive plans suffered an early blow when Xavier Worthy, a second-year wideout expected to inject explosiveness into the unit, exited after colliding with Travis Kelce. The Chiefs struggled to adapt without him, reverting to short passing and improvisation from Patrick Mahomes to keep the game competitive. With Rashee Rice suspended for six games, a multi-week absence for Worthy could significantly limit the Chiefs’ ability to stretch the field, at least in the near term.

Harbaugh’s fingerprints were evident throughout the night. The Chargers looked disciplined, prepared, and unshaken even as Kansas City clawed back into the contest. Rather than crumbling late as they have in the past, Los Angeles stayed poised, executing when it mattered most. It’s only Week 1, but this team already shows signs of becoming the consistent, well-coached outfit the franchise has long aspired to be.