LA Chargers: Stopping Travis Kelce and the 5 keys to beating the Chiefs

3. Getting Keenan Allen involved

Keenan Allen had some nice receptions in the second half, but simply wasn’t a consistent presence throughout the whole game. If the Chargers are going to beat the Chiefs, they need their star receiver to attack and succeed against a diminished Kansas City cornerback group.

Charvarius Ward fractured his hand and is unlikely to play while Bashaud Breeland was suspended for the first month of the season. Rashad Fenton and L’Jarius Sneed will be the starting corners having to deal with Allen. Sneed looked good in the Texans’ game, but he’s still a developing rookie.

There’s no excuse for Taylor to not get Allen at least 10 or 11 quality targets with the state of the Chiefs’ secondary. Last year, Allen had 153 yards and two touchdowns vs. the Chiefs. If the Chargers are going to win, Allen probably needs 60-70 yards and a score.

The other thing about getting “Slayer” involved is that it opens the rest of the offense up. If the Chiefs are forced to double cover Allen on plays, Mike Williams, Hunter Henry, Austin Ekeler, etc. will likely get more open looks than they did in Cincinnati.

Taylor, Shane Steichen, and Allen himself have to do a better job of opening up the offense together.