Chargers, Herbert Must Learn from Backbreaking Loss to Be in AFC’s Elite | News,

This was the only glaring mistake Herbert made during the game—and one could argue that while Herbert was a tad late on the delivery, Everett didn’t work back to the ball and it was a great defensive play by Watson. One could also argue that Everett gave up on the play and should bear the blame in L.A. However, it completely changed the complexion of the contest.

The Chargers made things interesting late with a touchdown drive and an onside kick.

One mistake cost Los Angeles a chance to take over the division and become the team to chase. The good news is that the Chargers can learn a few lessons from the loss and battle back over their final 15 games.

(Almost) Everything was Going the Chargers’ Way

Let’s be clear. This wasn’t a perfect game by the Chargers outside of the pick-six. However, Los Angeles was in clear control in the first half and could have regained control with a score instead of an interception on the drive in question.

Los Angeles only led 10-7 at halftime, but the Chiefs were very fortunate to be that close. The Chargers defense had Patrick Mahomes flustered, offensive tempo changes limited the Kansas City pass rush, and Herbert’s connection with Mike Williams seemed unstoppable.

Williams finished the first half with six catches for 84 yards.

Things got tougher in the second half, especially with offensive linemen Corey Linsley (knee) and Trey Pipkins III (ankles) leaving with injuries. The Chiefs pass rush started to put pressure on Herbert, and the game became much more even.

The teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter, and Kansas City tied it up with a fourth-quarter field goal. However, a personal foul on the ensuing kickoff put L.A. in prime field position at their own 40-yard line.

A few plays later, Los Angeles was inside the five-yard line and poised to regain the lead. Then, the interception happened, and Kansas City jumped to a 10-point lead before the Chargers’ final drive. And there’s no sugarcoating it, Herbert’s interception was a backbreaker.

However, that turnover is not the only reason why L.A. failed to come away with the win.

Missed Opportunities Cost the Chargers Late

For as well as the Chargers played early, missed opportunities cost them late. Watson’s interception will remain the highlight of the night, but it might not have mattered much if Los Angeles had capitalized.

Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. should have had two interceptions, one in the end zone and one that was eventually overturned after review.

Nasir Adderley also had a pick that was nullified by a penalty. The Chiefs scored touchdowns after each interception that was called back. Obviously, the game would have been much different had any one of these turnovers stood. Against a quarterback like Mahomes, the defense has to hang onto errant passes and not extend drives with penalties.

The Chargers also missed on a chance to turn this game into a blowout in the first half. Usually-aggressive head coach Brandon Staley opted to punt on 4th-and-2 from the Chiefs’ 47-yard line in the second quarter. He did it again on 4th-and-2 from the Chiefs’ 48 on the next possession.