The Chargers defeat the Chiefs 30-24.
In Week 3 of the 2021 season, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30-24.
in the first quarter.
The Chargers offense took the field after the Chiefs won the coin toss and deferred. The Chargers defense interrupted a promising Kansas City drive with an interception by Asante Samuel Jr., despite the offense going three-and-out.
Samuel Jr. became the first Charger in 35 years to intercept multiple passes before turning 22 with the interception.
Chargers cornerback Tevaughn Campbell caused a fumble on Tyreek Hill later in the quarter, which was recovered by Michael Davis.
Two quarters:
The Chargers began the second quarter on the Chiefs’ 29-yard line, hoping to take advantage of their opponent’s mistake. The Chargers were in a fantastic position to score touchdowns after a 19-yard pass play to tight end Donald Parham. On 2nd-and-4, Herbert connected with Keenan Allen for a four-yard touchdown pass, putting the Chargers up 6-0. Allen scored his first touchdown of the season on the pass, but kicker Tristan Vizcaino missed the PAT, keeping the score at 6-0.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire carried for seven yards on the Chiefs’ next drive, but Campbell forced another fumble for the Chiefs’ third turnover of the day. Davis recovered the fumble for the second time and returned it 14 yards.
The Chargers marched the ball down the field to the Kansas City 16-yard line with another chance to score after a Kansas City fumble. Herbert connected with Austin Ekeler on a 16-yard touchdown pass on second down, his second of the day. The Chargers chose to go for two and found Mike Williams in the end zone to convert, giving them a 14-0 lead.
With just over two minutes left in the first half, the Chargers’ defense was missing a vital player, as safety Derwin James suffered a shoulder injury and was questionable to return. He returned to the game just a few plays later.
The Chargers stopped Kansas City on a 3rd-and-15 with 30 seconds left in the half, forcing the Chiefs to settle for a 34-yard field goal, making the score 14-3 Chargers at the half.
in the third quarter.
The Chiefs took over at the opening of the second half and went on a 12-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a two-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to tight end Jody Fortson. The Chargers’ lead was trimmed in half by Mahomes’ first touchdown pass of the day, making the score 14-10.
With just under five minutes left in the third quarter, the Chiefs pulled together another lengthy touchdown drive, with Mahomes connecting with Edwards-Helaire on a 10-yard touchdown pass to put the Chiefs up 17-14.
On third down, Jared Cook provided a good spark to the Bolts’ offense by catching a 21-yard pass down the field to keep the drive moving.
The fourth quarter
The Chargers made a strong start to the fourth quarter. The Bolts kept the drive alive by converting a fourth-down pass to Allen in Kansas City territory. After the PAT attempt, Herbert connected with Williams for a 20-yard touchdown, putting the Chargers up 21-17. Williams became the first Charger since Antonio Gates had three touchdown receptions in a row during the 2010 season.
The Chiefs responded with a touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman on their next possession,
putting the Chiefs ahead 24-21 after Butker’s PAT was good.
Herbert connected with Williams for a key 43-yard pass play with little over six and a half minutes left in the game,
putting the Bolts in Chiefs territory late in the game. A pass interference penalty was called on the Chiefs on third-and-goal, giving the Chargers a new set of downs. A touchdown to Gabe Nabers was called back a few plays later owing to an illegal shift penalty,
forcing the Chargers to settle for a field goal. With just over two minutes remaining, Vizcaino hit a 24-yard field goal to tie the game at 24-24.
The Chargers faced a vital late-game drive for the third week in a row,
this time with the defense on the field. Mahomes sent a deep ball downfield on third down that was intercepted by safety Alohi Gilman,
causing the Chiefs’ fourth turnover of the day.
The Chargers were able to march into Kansas City territory, and when faced with a critical 4th-and-9 situation, they decided to go for it and were able to convert after the Chiefs were flagged for defensive pass interference. A few plays later, Herbert found Williams in the end zone for the third time, this time for a four-yard gain, putting the Bolts up 30-24. With 32 seconds left in the game, Vizcaino missed the PAT, keeping the lead at six.
With time running out, Mahomes attempted a long pass near the end zone that was incomplete,
giving the Chargers a thrilling 30-24 victory over the Chiefs.
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