A LIGHTNING STREAK
Chargers win back-to-back games for first time since October, now the focus turns to Thursday and Chiefs
pounded Las Vegas 48-9.
The Chargers defeated the Chiefs on the road in late September Given the opportunity to look by scoring a touchdown in the past the New York Giants, the final minute.
Chargers instead rolled through The rematch will feature limited them. preparation, the condensed
Now, they can do what schedule only adding everyone else already was to the intensity. doing before Sunday. They “We’ll be ready.” Staley can focus on Kansas City. said. “They’re a tough cover
“It’s gonna be a great no matter how many ballgame,” coach Brandon days (you have). If it was a
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Staley said. “It’s gonna be bye week, it would be a great for the NFL. We got to tough cover. What I think get right to work.” makes games like this so
Right to work because unique is both sides have the Chiefs will be at SoFi to go through it.” Stadium on Thursday for a Week The Chargers arrived at Chiefs 15 meeting that will be for first week by handling a weak version place in the AFC West. of the Giants, who were without
Both division rivals were heavy their starting quarterback, Daniel favorites Sunday and neither hiccuped. Jones, and had to turn to longtime The Chargers opened a 30point NFL backup Mike Glennon. lead over the Giants before After a 7-7 first quarter, the winning 37-21. Kansas City Chargers produced the game’s
C har gers
next 30 points as the defense forced four straight three-andouts during one stretch and the offense scored on six of seven possessions.
“I really liked the way we competed in the game,” Staley said. “I felt like we played with a lot of purpose. I felt like it was a complete performance.”
Quarterback Justin Herbert finished 23 of 31 for 275 yards and three touchdowns, one coming on a spectacular 59-yard connection to Jalen Guyton just before halftime. Rookie Josh Palmer also caught a touchdown pass and had five receptions total for 66 yards as the Chargers won without Keenan Allen, who remains on the COVID-19 reserve list.
“What was encouraging for us was the variety of people that touched the football,” Staley said. “When you have your young receivers play like that, it gives you a lot of confidence.”
Austin Ekeler had a touchdown — his 16th of the season — and rushed 12 times for 67 yards, the Chargers dominating into the fourth quarter.
In improving to 8-5, they won consecutive games for the first time since early October and now have taken three of their past four.
“Stringing these games together makes you feel good because you feel like you’re putting