Chargers Surpringly Lead Chiefs at Halftime, Can LA Pull Off Massive Upset?

Valentina Martinez | Sep 29, 2024

Sep 29, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Chargers are leading 10-7 at the half in their Week 4 divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The first half included an interception from Kristian Fulton and rookie Ladd McConkey scoring the first touchdown of the game.

Fulton's pick was the second turnover against the Chiefs. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes overthrew a pass to tight end Travis Kelce which allowed Fulton to swoop in.

The cornerback returned the interception for 29 yards before he fumbled the ball. Initially, the referees ruled that Chiefs offensive lineman Chris Humphrey secured the ball. After a review of the play, the referees determined that AJ Finley touched the ball while out of bounds, which kept the ball in the Chargers' possession.

Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was ruled out with a knee injury following the interception from Fulton. Rice has been the most reliable target for Mahomes this season, but it hasn’t affected the Kansas City offense based on their response in the second quarter.

McConkey also had a strong first half, especially on the scoring play in the endzone. Justin Herbert dropped back and the rookie receiver managed to snag the ball in tight coverage. McConkey’s fantastic catch highlighted his connection with Herbert.

He has been his favorite receiver to connect with thus far this season.The Chargers have racked up seven penalties on the day. It’s something the team will have to address and sharpen in the bye week.

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s unit had a solid performance in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the defense gave Kelce a number of free releases. At that time, Kelce had five catches for 74 yards. This is a direct result of starting safety Derwin James not being on the field. James is serving a one-game suspension for repeated violations of the NFL’s player safety rules.

The slow start for the Chargers' defense in the second quarter allowed Xavier Worthy to get behind the secondary for the score. The Chargers are short both starting tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. The offensive line has managed so far to protect Justin Herbert; however, we have yet to see how the second half of the game plays out.

Jamaree Salyer has struggled to match up with Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones throughout the game. If the Chargers pull off the upset, the defense will need to be sharper and the offense will need to explode. The Chiefs entered the second half with momentum.