Anthony Lynn stands by Chargers rookie JJ Jones despite punt return fumble

  • Chargers Tyrell Williams leaps over the Chiefs Kendall Fuller at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

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  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III finds a hole a the line to run through at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • The Chiefs Tyreek Hill takes a punt return for a first quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen is stopped by the Chiefs Eric Murray at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler celebrates a 2nd quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler catches a ball in the end zone for a 2nd quarter touchdown as Chiefs Anthony Hitchens covers him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler catches a ball in the end zone for a 2nd quarter touchdown as Chiefs Anthony Hitchens covers him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler catches a ball in the end zone for a 2nd quarter touchdown as Chiefs Anthony Hitchens covers him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers fans wait for Keenan Allen to come onto the field to warmup before the Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III takes selfies with a fans camera before his game with the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers receiver Travis Benjamin signs autographs before his game against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin, right, drops a pass under pressure form Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

  • A giant flag is rolled up after the National Anthem before the Chargers-Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • A giant flag is unfurled before the Chargers-Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen misses a pass to him Chiefs double coverage at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Charger Girls perform at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is chased by the Chargers Desmond King II at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen gives Chiefs Kendall Fuller a stiff-arm at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers takes a slide after scrambling against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Antonio Gates scores on a reception during a 2-point conversion at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs Tyreek Hill does a back flip after scoring a 4th quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen scores on a 20-yard pass reception at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen avoids Chiefs Steven Nelson after a catch at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers watches his defense on the field from the bench at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers coach Anthony Lynn watches the action at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Michael Scholfield III, left, and Mike Pouncey cool off on the bench during the game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Referee Clete Blakeman looks over a monitor to view the replay at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III picks up a gain over the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs head coach Andy Reid at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III and Chiefs Tyreek Hill leave the field after the game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, chats with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after the Chargers loss at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • After scoring a 2-point conversion, Chargers Melvin Gordon III flips the ball to field judge Joe Larrew at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III scores a 2-point conversion at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs De’Anthony Thomas is lifted in the air after his 3rd quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III runs through a hole at the line of scrimmage against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler picks up a short gain against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers calls a play against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III runs the ball at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers hands the ball off to Melvin Gordon III at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is sacked by the Chargers Derwin James at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers makes a pass at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • The Charger Girls perform at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • The Chiefs Tyreek Hill makes a pass as Chargers Kyzir White defends him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • A Chargers cheers on the team at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers kicker Caleb Sturgis kicks a field goal against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III escapes a tackle by the Chiefs Reggie Ragland at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III runs over a player at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is sacked by the Chiefs Dee Ford at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers walks into the locker room after pre-game workout before the Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs fans cheer after a touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers and Chiefs fans at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Tyrell Williams leaps over the Chiefs Kendall Fuller at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III finds a hole a the line to run through at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

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CARSON — The man responsible for the biggest blunder in the Chargers’ season opener will keep his job.

During the fourth quarter of a 38-28 loss on Sunday, undrafted rookie JJ Jones managed to fumble twice on a single punt return, finally losing it for good just a few steps in front of his own goal line. That helped set up Kansas City’s final touchdown, all but dashing the Chargers’ hopes of a 1-0 record.

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Apparently, the former West Georgia receiver will get a second chance. Coach Anthony Lynn stuck by the 5-foot-10 speedster after the game, calling the miscue an aberration despite Jones’ lack of experience.

“He made this team because he can score points,” Lynn said. “We’re looking for guys that can score points. Just because he made one mistake, I’m not going to give up on that young man. Not at all.”

Perhaps Jones will redeem himself. The 25-year-old was electrifying in the preseason, returning a punt 72 yards for a touchdown in his debut at StubHub Center. After four exhibition contests, he also collected 137 yards on six kickoff returns.

Jones didn’t do much on offense in the preseason — catching just one pass for 7 yards — but when fellow receiver Artavis Scott suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the preseason finale, a spot opened on the 53-man roster.

He tried to take advantage. The Chargers had just cut their deficit to 11 points, thanks to a touchdown by Keenan Allen and two-point conversion by Antonio Gates. After a Kansas City three-and-out, Jones was expecting left-footed punter Dustin Colquitt to place the ball in a certain part of the field.

Instead, it veered toward the northwest corner, forcing Jones to change course. He bobbled his initial catch, and by the time he scooped up the ball again, someone was close enough to knock it loose.

“I was just trying to make a play,” Jones said. “Give my team a spark. Like I said, I’ve got to secure the ball better.”

It’s unfair to lay the season-opening loss entirely on Jones’ shoulders. The Chargers could have displayed surer hands. They could have done more on defense, especially against a talented but inexperienced quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. They could have punted away from Tyreek Hill, who opened the game with a 91-yard touchdown return.

Next week in Buffalo, they’ll try to fix some of those errors.

And Jones, presumably, will too.

INJURY REPORT

The Chargers entered the weekend without star defensive end Joey Bosa, who is awaiting a second opinion on an injury to his left foot.

Less than 10 minutes into their season opener, they also lost starting right tackle Joe Barksdale to a right knee injury. The offensive lineman was helped to the sideline, and eventually carted to the locker room. Lynn did not have an update on Barksdale’s condition after the game.

Those absences shifted the workload to Sam Tevi and Isaac Rochell, last year’s sixth- and seventh-round picks. Rochell, who spent most of last season on the Chargers’ practice squad, made his first career start in place of Bosa and recorded four tackles.

Tevi started one game as a rookie, but played just 136 offensive snaps in 2017.

Barksdale also missed five games due to injuries last season and was replaced then by Michael Schofield, who started Sunday’s contest at right guard. Schofield could move back out to right tackle, which would open a starting spot for 2017 second-round pick Forrest Lamp.

Lamp, who sat out his rookie season with a torn ACL, was left inactive against Kansas City.

“He hasn’t played football in 18 months,” Lynn said. “He played that fourth preseason game, but he’s just not there yet.”

NOTES

Rookies Derwin James and Kyzir White debuted as starters, lining up at free safety and outside linebacker, respectively. James broke up a likely touchdown to De’Anthony Thomas in the second quarter, and also notched the Chargers’ only sack of the day. … Running back Melvin Gordon caught nine passes for a career-high 102 yards. … Mike Williams had 81 receiving yards to open his NFL second season, all in the fourth quarter. The former No. 7 overall pick only caught 11 passes for 95 yards during his injury-plagued rookie year.

10.09.2018No comments
Read more 
Ducks center Isac Lundestrom makes quite an impression in Rookie Faceoff victory

LAS VEGAS — Isac Lundestrom rocketed toward the net late in the second period of the Ducks’ 5-2 victory Sunday over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of the Rookie Faceoff. Head up, legs churning, Lundestrom had the puck on a string as he skated ever closer to the goal.

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He could have shot the puck himself, but the angle wasn’t optimal.

Instead, he slipped a pass to Ducks linemate Kiefer Sherwood near the right goal post. Sherwood then passed the puck across the crease to Jack Kopacka, who was cutting toward the net from the opposite wing. In a nanosecond, the puck was in the back of the net.

It was one play among many Lundestrom orchestrated with his speed and smarts. He added an empty-net goal in the closing moments for his second multi-point game in as many nights. He had two goals in the Ducks’ 8-3 victory Saturday over the Kings’ rookies.

Lundestrom, an 18-year-old center who was the Ducks’ first-round draft pick in June, is ticketed for a return to his native Sweden after the Ducks’ training camp ends later this month. He will depart for home having impressed the Ducks’ executive suite and gained a healthy dose of confidence.

“The biggest thing for me is he’s gotten better every shift,” said Ducks rookie team coach Dallas Eakins. “His first few shifts in the first game, I was a little worried and then he ended up being one of our best forwards at the end of the night.”

Lundestrom’s skating ability was on display in each game, but especially during Sunday’s victory over the Avalanche. In one sequence, he skated backwards at what seemed to be warp speed in order to find an open patch of ice and present a target for a teammate in the defensive zone.

Lundestrom accepted a pass and turned toward the neutral zone, already in full flight. He then made a clever pass to a teammate to start an attack in the offensive zone. The play didn’t result in a goal or a scoring chance, but it was an indication that he can do more than score goals or set them up.

“He’s got ice in his veins with the puck,” said Eakins, who also serves as the coach of the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks’ AHL team. “He sees the ice well. He’s not afraid to take it to the net. He’s one of those guys all the wingers we have are probably dying to play with him.

“He can really distribute the puck well.”

EXECUTIVE DECISIONS

Eakins said he couldn’t claim credit for teaming Max Comtois, Sam Steel and Troy Terry together during the Ducks’ rookie camp or for the Rookie Faceoff. Bob Murray, the Ducks’ general manager, wanted those three together and so they skated on the same line Saturday.

Sunday, Steel and Terry were out of the lineup Sunday and Comtois was on a line with Tyler Soy and Giovanni Fiore. Comtois scored the Ducks’ first goal, after Soy forced a turnover in the attacking zone in the opening minutes of the second period.

Eakins said it was up to Murray as to whether Comtois, Steel and Terry would skate together in the Ducks’ Rookie Faceoff finale Tuesday morning against the Arizona Coyotes. Eakins called off a scheduled practice for Monday.

10.09.2018No comments
Read more 
Whicker: The cruel hands of time were the only ones that worked for Chargers

  • Chargers Tyrell Williams leaps over the Chiefs Kendall Fuller at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

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  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III finds a hole a the line to run through at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • The Chiefs Tyreek Hill takes a punt return for a first quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen is stopped by the Chiefs Eric Murray at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler celebrates a 2nd quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler catches a ball in the end zone for a 2nd quarter touchdown as Chiefs Anthony Hitchens covers him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler catches a ball in the end zone for a 2nd quarter touchdown as Chiefs Anthony Hitchens covers him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler catches a ball in the end zone for a 2nd quarter touchdown as Chiefs Anthony Hitchens covers him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers fans wait for Keenan Allen to come onto the field to warmup before the Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III takes selfies with a fans camera before his game with the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers receiver Travis Benjamin signs autographs before his game against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin, right, drops a pass under pressure form Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Ron Parker during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

  • A giant flag is rolled up after the National Anthem before the Chargers-Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • A giant flag is unfurled before the Chargers-Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen misses a pass to him Chiefs double coverage at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Charger Girls perform at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is chased by the Chargers Desmond King II at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen gives Chiefs Kendall Fuller a stiff-arm at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers takes a slide after scrambling against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Antonio Gates scores on a reception during a 2-point conversion at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs Tyreek Hill does a back flip after scoring a 4th quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen scores on a 20-yard pass reception at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Keenan Allen avoids Chiefs Steven Nelson after a catch at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers watches his defense on the field from the bench at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers coach Anthony Lynn watches the action at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Michael Scholfield III, left, and Mike Pouncey cool off on the bench during the game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Referee Clete Blakeman looks over a monitor to view the replay at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III picks up a gain over the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs head coach Andy Reid at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III and Chiefs Tyreek Hill leave the field after the game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, right, chats with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after the Chargers loss at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • After scoring a 2-point conversion, Chargers Melvin Gordon III flips the ball to field judge Joe Larrew at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III scores a 2-point conversion at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs De’Anthony Thomas is lifted in the air after his 3rd quarter touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. The Kansas City Chiefs beat the Los Angeles Chargers 38-28. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III runs through a hole at the line of scrimmage against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Austin Ekeler picks up a short gain against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers calls a play against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III runs the ball at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers hands the ball off to Melvin Gordon III at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is sacked by the Chargers Derwin James at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers makes a pass at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • The Charger Girls perform at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • The Chiefs Tyreek Hill makes a pass as Chargers Kyzir White defends him at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • A Chargers cheers on the team at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers kicker Caleb Sturgis kicks a field goal against the Chiefs at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III escapes a tackle by the Chiefs Reggie Ragland at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III runs over a player at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is sacked by the Chiefs Dee Ford at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers walks into the locker room after pre-game workout before the Chiefs game at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chiefs fans cheer after a touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers and Chiefs fans at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers looks for a receiver at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Tyrell Williams leaps over the Chiefs Kendall Fuller at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

  • Chargers Melvin Gordon III finds a hole a the line to run through at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)

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CARSON – Russell Okung raised a fist, but the only kneeling was done by Philip Rivers on Sunday, sent to his knees by the sight of a touchdown pass bouncing off the hands of Travis Benjamin.

Rivers had seen footballs do that  all day, off Benjamin and Tyrell Williams in particular, and he had seen the Chargers’ punt coverage team fail to herd a supersonic cat named Tyreek Hill.

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“Another disappointing start to the season by the Chargers,” said a fan in a Rivers jersey, on the way out of StubHub Center.

Everybody’s a SportsCenter anchor these days.

“We left a lot of plays out there,” receiver Keenan Allen said. They were left out there last year, too. Some are probably still lying on the Qualcomm Stadium turf in San Diego.

At least the Chargers seemed to have remedied their kicking failures, until they cut the lead to 10 and lined up Caleb Sturgis for a 48-yarder, with 1:11 left. The Chargers had all their timeouts, so it was doable, at least until Sturgis missed it softly to the left.

The Chiefs won, 38-28, for the ninth consecutive time against the Chargers.

Afterward, Rivers compared the long season to the Tour de France and Antonio Gates, who caught a 2-point conversion, said it was a marathon. Neither is quite as exhausting as the life of a Chargers fan.

“I was surprised by the drops, very uncharacteristic,” Allen said. “You got to clean it up and move on.

“I don’t know what happens during drops. It happens so fast. I don’t know how it could be focus. All you’re looking at is the ball. Nobody is trying harder to catch it than the person who’s trying to catch it. Sometimes it happens.”

Down 17-12 late in the second quarter, Rivers had Benjamin in the end zone and quite available, but it wasn’t caught. Earlier, there were deep ones that didn’t stick to Williams or Benjamin, but the Chargers scored at the end of the possession.

Rivers had Benjamin locked in, open in the end zone, just before Sturgis missed the kick, and the same thing happened, or didn’t happen. Rivers still threw for 414 yards and three touchdowns. He had to keep flinging because the Chargers defense, third in the league last year in points allowed, was steadily bleeding from the attacks of ew Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“Sometimes when you’re really open you can get lackadaisical,” Allen said. “Maybe you feel like you’ve already got a touchdown. Maybe you try to catch it easy, I don’t know.”

“I missed some throws, we had some drops,” Rivers said. “It’s just tough to get guys open, and you hate it when you do get them open and you can’t make plays.”

After the indescribably fast Hill had an early 91-yard punt return touchdown and a 58-yard touchdown play, the Chargers cut the lead to 17-12 at halftime. Then Mahomes hustled the Chiefs downfield and shoveled a touchdown to DeAnthony Thomas, Rivers threw a deep interception to Ron Parker, and Mahomes hit Hill for a 34-yard pass to escape bad field position.

That is not “complementary football,” where one side of the ball provides absolution for the sins of the other.

Perhaps the most embarrassing moment  was the next Chiefs’ touchdown. Mahomes sent fullback Anthony Sherman on a wheel route. Linebacker Kyle Emanuel let him get away, and Sherman turned it into a 36-yard score.

Remember fullbacks? Sherman is 5-foot-10, 242, although he played some tight end here. It was his third receiving touchdown in eight NFL seasons.

“He’s got crazy hands, man,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “You think of him as a sausage, but he’s just a sausage with hands.”

The Chargers were the chic pick to win the AFC West and maybe the AFC championship. They still can. But with Mahomes, the Chiefs seem even more dynamic.

Mahomes is a slick ball-handler, a willing runner on read-options, and a brilliant thrower. This often happens with quarterbacks coached by Reid, and also with quarterbacks who are allowed to marinate for a season, as Mahomes was in 2017 behind Smith.

It helped that Joey Bosa was in a T-shirt and jeans and the Chiefs controlled Melvin Ingram on the other side. Mahomes was sacked only once, by safety Derwin James.

“He has a chance to be a really, really, really awesome player,” Rivers said of Mahomes. “He has the kind of arm talent that, well, I’d like to borrow his arm every now and then.”

No doubt he’d like to borrow some stronger hands for teammates that couldn’t catch the football or Tyreek Hill, or for a fanbase that wonders why it should even bother getting a grip.

 

 

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Prabal Gurung RTW Spring 2019

A feast for the eyes and an injection of good vibes for the spirit: On Sunday night, Prabal Gurung celebrated the joyful and positive side of fashion with a runway show that was pure energy.
Colorblocking, bold tones, fluid and relaxed silhouettes were the main ingredients of a group of flamboyant outfits opening the show. Joan Smalls sported a yellow ribbed bodysuit tucked into a transparent neon green skirt trimmed in fuchsia satin; Gigi Hadid wore a cropped white T-shirt paired with a draped skirt in a bright color combination. Bella Hadid took the catwalk in a pair of pink cargo pants and a triangle bikini top and sporty colorful windbreaker. The athletic attitude also informed the feminine frocks and skirts enriched with drawstring details and elastic waistbands, while an extravagant touch was introduced via the traffic-stopping feathers embroidered on cropped denim pants and a covetable black T-shirt dress. Artisanal craftsmanship is an iconic element of Gurung’s design aesthetic. This season it was beautifully shown on beaded and sequined frocks revealing degradé effects and sarong skirts trimmed with tiny, precious fringe.
Unveiling men’s wear for the first time, the designer created a charming dialogue between the two lineups, which looked totally coherent.

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Sies Marjan RTW Spring 2019

Sander Lak’s spring collection was a departure from what he’s been doing at Sies Marjan in the last few very strong seasons. Interestingly, he said spring was about finally feeling at home. “I’ve lived in 20 countries and this is the first time I feel at home,” Lak said after the show. “It’s very new to me. It’s like a first love.” How exactly that translated into the clothes he didn’t quite articulate, but in general the collection was more based in reality than his previous wildly colorful, fantasy-driven lineups.
Lak didn’t drain the color out of everything, but he did paint outside his proverbial lines to embrace white, the rare color on the spectrum he hasn’t used much. He infused white looks with an optic starkness and textural treatments, crinkling a spare, long shirtdress, and cutting a coat and cargo pants from paper-coated fabric that had a cool chalky texture. They were some of the most interesting pieces in the lineup, though some of the other neutrals Lak proposed, including drab green workwear and twists on classic Breton stripes — usually a crowd-pleaser — felt flat.
The palette of unusual, intriguing tones for which Lak is known picked up as the

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Tibi RTW Spring 2019

Transcending time and trends was the main goal behind Amy Smilovic’s spring collection.
The designer delivered a chic collection in which the wearable, uncomplicated pieces were peppered with charming colors and sophisticated details.
There were plenty of options for city women on the go: a blue top tucked into a black leather midiskirt; the relaxed, slightly oversized suits; the wrap dresses with soft belts to tie at the front, and the asymmetric lightweight shirts matched with cigarette pants and sartorial blazers.
While most of the looks were worked in solids — including sorbet tones juxtaposed with bolder hues of orange, yellow, blue and green — the collection also included color-blocked designs, such as a feminine dress with plissé inserts, a front pocket and a half belt with a metallic buckle cut in an organic shape, as well as a soft, graphic floral print splashed on simple, feminine frocks.

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Brock Collection RTW Spring 2019

Breakfast at Le Coucou — a delightful way to start a Sunday morning, particularly so during the frenzy of New York Fashion Week. Laura Vassar and Kris Brock chose the restaurant, one of their favorites, as the venue for their spring Brock Collection show, imagining throughout the design process how the clothes would look in the setting.
The answer: Clothes and space looked made for each other, the undone gentility of the exposed brick walls reflecting the subtle touch of toughness beneath the collection’s prettiness. In their show notes, the designers said they had considered “this notion of raw American romance.” “We wanted it to be a breath of fresh air, and for [it to] feel alive and courageous,” Vassar said backstage post-show. “Reading about and looking at Georgia O’Keeffe’s work and how she approached it — expressing that [which] she couldn’t find words for, a feeling of wanting to do something vibrant and alive.”
For the Brock duo, vibrant and alive is synonymous with romantic and sexy-pretty. Here, they imbued their lingerie-derived signatures with a casual attitude in washed, rumpled fabrics. Wallpaper prints had a vintage feel while ikat patterns most specifically referenced O’Keeffe’s Southwest. The designers love a corset construction,

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Bethenny Frankel to Unveil Skinnygirl Jeans

NEW YORK — It’s the “little moments” that Bethenny Frankel is most drawn to in her first fashion venture.
This week, the reality show star and entrepreneur will finally reveal her Skinnygirl Jeans collection with a multipronged launch including in-store appearances and a major social media push.
“I call them ‘little moments,’” she said during a last-minute line review at the One Jeanswear Group Seventh Avenue offices here last week. She pointed to a red stripe down the side of the skinny jeans she was wearing as well as the studs, zippers and chains that embellished other pieces in the line. “I like a detail,” she said. “But this is not too over the top.”
A jean with glitter embedded in the fabric that Frankel said is “understated but still sparkles,” as well as models with unfinished edges, also set the collection apart in the crowded jeanswear market, she believes.
Skinnygirl Jeans offers knit tops and jackets as well, which also have details that expand the collection beyond basics. A sweatshirt in orange is cropped and has lacing on the sleeves as well as zippers on the bottom. And a denim jacket has zippered sleeves.
Frankel also liked the “pick-up drop-off” dress she said is

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Mytheresa.com Taps Tod’s for Its Latest Exclusive

SOFT-SHOE: Mytheresa.com is teaming with Tod’s as part of a strategy to offer its clients one-off products from some of its best-selling labels. The latest partnership is called “Tods 80km/h,” and the footwear label has re-created its Gommino loafers as well as a pair of shearling-lined moccasins and minimal sneakers in plush velvet fabrics in a range of jewel tones, from emerald green to burgundy to a deep navy blue.
Tiffany Hsu, fashion buying director of the site, said Tod’s is one of its best-selling brands and resonates particularly well in Asia and Europe. The site, which has in the past worked with Prada, Miu Miu, Chloé and Off-White, was looking to offer customers a twist on the classic styles.

Mytheresa.com x Tod’s 
Courtesy Photo

“We wanted to offer our customers something traditional that was also refreshed and contemporary, so the velvet was such a natural fit. We’ve seen this fabric become a mainstay for footwear, so to offer it in four exclusive colorways was a new spin on the usual suede that we’ve seen from Tod’s,” she added. “The sneaker was a fun addition to the mix — as one of our best-selling styles in footwear, it was important to offer this amongst

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Comme des Garçons Dresses Naomi Osaka

The day after Naomi Osaka defeated Serena Williams to win the U.S. Open women’s final, the 20-year-old showed that she can compete with Williams’ fashion game, too.
Osaka, the first Japanese-born tennis player to win a Grand Slam event, wore a white Comme des Garçons collection dress for a championship trophy photo op at the Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center in New York. It’s the first time the Japanese brand, designed by Rei Kawakubo, has dressed Osaka.

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