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LA Chargers: Team grades in the shocking Justin Herbert Chiefs’ game

By Alexander Insdorf

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers scrambles against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at SoFi Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers scrambles against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at SoFi Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

Receivers and defensive line

After a slow Week 1 where it felt like his connection with Taylor was off, Keenan Allen had himself a game this week. He hooked up with Herbert early and often, finishing with seven receptions for 96 yards.

The involvement of Allen in the offense is why some fans will favor the rookie starting over Taylor in Week 3. The dime Herbert tossed to Allen with pressure in his face made me audibly gasp:

https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1307806956179066881

Hunter Henry was very involved, just as he was last week. While there will obviously be differences in the throwing tendencies between Taylor and Herbert, they both seem to love their tight end. A fully healthy Henry is a top 5-10 tight end in the league. Herbert took advantage of the depleted Chiefs’ defense by throwing for 83 yards to Henry.

Mike Williams usually has solid outings against the Chiefs and it seems like they keyed in on that this game. Herbert didn’t seem to look his way as much as Taylor did, but it’s too early to say they can’t be productive together. Once Herbert gets more confident in taking deep shots down the field, you’ll see Williams find his way back into the receiving picture with him.

The highest-paid defensive player finally sacked the highest-paid offensive player. Joey Bosa got his first sack of Mahomes in his career at a pretty important juncture in the game. Everyone on the defensive line had a great game. Melvin Ingram got banged up towards the end of the game, but he ended up being fine.

Linval Joseph and Jerry Tillery always had the potential to take this line to the next level. Joseph was drawing double teams, while Tillery was a tackling machine and heat seeking missile. If both of them keep it up, this is one of the best defensive lines in the entire league.

By the start of overtime, the defensive line was gassed. It will take a while for their conditioning to be on point with the lack of a true offseason. Playing nearly five quarters in the second game of the season is a tough ask in these circumstances.

Receivers: B

Defensive line: A-

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