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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)
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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)
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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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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Chargers Melvin Gordon III runs the ball at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
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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)
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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)
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Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers makes a pass at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
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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)
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The Charger Girls perform at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
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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)
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A Chargers cheers on the team at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Chiefs fans cheer after a touchdown at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
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Chargers and Chiefs fans at Stubhub Center in Carson on Sunday, Sep. 9, 2018. (Photo by Scott Varley, Daily Breeze/SCNG)
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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 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)
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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)
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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.
“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.