The Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated with their first divisional win of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers 17-10.

The Chiefs’ defense limited a team’s rushing attack yet again. Here are four takeaways from the Chiefs’ week four victory.

Defensive line play

This was another game that saw the Chiefs’ defensive front line take charge, both in the rushing and passing game. Running back J.K. Dobbins of the Chargers came into this game with 310 yards through just three weeks, including 100-plus in the first two weeks. This did not deter the Kansas City defensive front, holding Dobbins to 32 yards on 14 carries.

It didn’t stop there as Los Angeles’ quarterback Justin Herbert struggled due to defensive tackle Chris Jones and the entire Kansas City defensive line. Herbert was sacked twice and pressured on 12 of his dropbacks. He was also hit while throwing four times, his most in a game in the past two seasons.

Travis Kelce is back, but at what cost?

Tight end Travis Kelce has seen scrutiny over the first three weeks of the season due to a low production of only 69 yards on eight receptions. Kelce finally broke through, pulling in seven catches for 89 yards with a much-needed performance. Kelce has become the franchise receptions leader with 922 total receptions as a Chief. He beat out franchise legend, tight end Tony Gonzalez, who has 916 receptions for the team. Kelce has had plenty of success against the Chargers, now with 1,312 total receiving yards against Los Angeles. 

This performance was vital in large part due to a serious injury sustained by wide receiver Rashee Rice in the first quarter. This injury was highly suspected to be a torn ACL, which could sideline Rice for the rest of the season, however it is now believed to be something less serious.

Quarterback duel

Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes has started the season off a little shaky, with lower numbers than expected in both passing yards and touchdowns. However, Mahomes righted the ship against Los Angeles. He threw another interception in the first quarter, which led to Rice’s injury on the ensuing hit. Mahomes responded by facilitating the ball to his receivers for 245 total yards and a touchdown at a 66% completion percentage. Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert struggled to match Mahomes’ performance, throwing for just 179 yards on a 59% completion percentage.

Other highlights of the game

Kansas City got off to another slow start, as the Chargers had an early 10-0 lead after a fumble in Los Angeles territory by running back Carson Steele. After the turnover, the Chargers drove down the field in just 10 plays and obtained another three points after an interception.

But these slow starts have rarely affected the team, as Mahomes is now 12-0 when down by exactly 10 points.

Kansas City supplemented the aerial attack and defensive stops with a strong rushing game. Running back Kareem Hunt returned to the Chiefs for the first time since 2018, running for 69 yards on 14 rushes for 4.9 yards per carry.

Next Week

The Chiefs will take on the New Orleans Saints at home on Monday, Oct. 7.

Edited by Dylan Heinrich | dheinrich@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com

Edited by Annie Goodykoontz | agoodykoontz@themaneater.com