Less than two weeks ago, the Los Angeles Chargers pulled off a shocking come-from-behind victory on the road on national television. On Thursday night, they came up with an even more improbable win.
The Kansas City Chiefs got off to a fast start and led throughout the game, but the Chargers hung tough, the same way they did against Pittsburgh, and pulled out the victory in the very late stages of the game.
Trailing 28-21 with just eight seconds left on the clock, the Chargers just benefitted from a pass interference call against the Chiefs in the end zone, allowing the ball to be placed on the 1-yard line. On the next play, Mike Williams scored his third touchdown of the game. Philip Rivers immediately held up two fingers and the Chargers decided to go for the win.
On the conversion, Rivers hit Williams again, who was wide open in the end zone on a blown coverage. The Chargers had their first lead of the game with just four seconds left.
Williams had what was probably the best game of his career, stepping up when the team lost Keenan Allen to a hip injury in the first half. Williams caught seven passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns on the night. He also scored on a 19-yard touchdown run.
The Chargers had a good offensive game plan, one that allowed them to methodically move the chains while keeping the Chiefs’ offense off the field. Aside from two terrible first-half interceptions thrown by Rivers, the Chargers played a great game.
The defensive front managed to get pressure on Patrick Mahomes, forcing him out of the pocket and not allowing him to find his receivers down the field. He finished the game with two touchdown passes but just 243 yards passing, his lowest output of the season.
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The win ties the Chargers with the Chiefs at 11-3 in the AFC West. By virtue of a better divisional record, the Chiefs still control their own destiny and will win the division if they win out. However, this win did clinch the Chargers their first playoff berth since 2013. In addition, it also broke the team’s nine-game losing streak against the Chiefs.
Things are really starting to fall into place for this Chargers team. Going into a hostile road environment and winning a game like this without the services of Melvin Gordon, Austin Ekeler and Allen is a sign of a team peaking at the right time.
What a night and what a win! The fun may be just beginning, Chargers fans.