Chiefs edge Chargers after Rivers blunder
MEXICO CITY: Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs took advantage of an error-strewn Los Angeles Chargers display to claim a 24-17 victory on Monday.
Mahomes overcame a sluggish start and a slippery surface at the Azteca Stadium as the Chiefs maintained their place atop the AFC West at 7-4.
The Chargers, meanwhile, were left ruing another uneven display from veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who threw four interceptions after tossing three picks in his previous outing.
The 37-year-old’s night ended on a miserable note as the Chargers chased a game-tying touchdown in the dying seconds.
“I was real proud of our defence for the job that they did,’’ Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.
“Four takeaways, so for the guys that intercepted the football and then helped create the turnovers, I’m proud of those guys.’’
After marching the Chargers upfield on a 77-yard drive inside the final two minutes, Rivers lofted a pass deep into the end zone intended for running back Austin Ekeler with 18 seconds left.
Chiefs safety Daniel Sorensen read the play however and darted in to snatch the interception, sealing victory for Andy Reid’s side.
Rivers slumped to the turf in despair as the Chargers digested their seventh defeat of the season — all of them coming by margins of one score or less.
Rivers finished with 353 passing yards from 28 completions — almost double the 182 yards accumulated by opposite number Mahomes.
However, while it was far from a vintage display from reigning NFL MVP Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback converted crucial scoring opportunities when they arose in front of 76,000 fans.