https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2022/11/19/chargers-vs-chiefs-watch-to-watch-justin-herbert-patrick-mahomes/

Gavino Borquez
November 19, 2022 1:58 pm PT

The Chargers are looking to get revenge on the Chiefs after losing to
them back in Week 2.

Here are five storylines to watch for Sunday’s matchup.

Guess who’s back?

The Chargers could be getting some key contributors back at the right
time. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are in line to play on Sunday, as
the two were back at practice this past week.

Allen said he is “100%,” and it is now the coach’s decision whether he
will play. Meanwhile, Williams said, “I’ll be out there.”

Allen sustained a hamstring injury, returned briefly, and played on a
pitch count in Week 7 against the Seahawks, which was the same game
Williams suffered a high ankle sprain.

Allen and Williams have been on the field at the same time for just 43
offensive plays this season. Their absences were a big reason the
passing game was uneven.

Allen should aid in third-down and red zone situations, whereas Williams
gives Justin Herbert a big-bodied target in the intermediate and deep
areas of the field to open things up.

The Chiefs rank 22nd in pass defense DVOA.

Austin could be in for big performance

The Chargers are excited about the returns of Allen and Williams. But,
while they would give the offense a big boost, Austin Ekeler might be
the best option to tear apart the Chiefs.

Kansas City ranks 26th in DVOA allowed on running back targets while
surrendering a league-high 8.6 running back targets per game and
third-most yards per game (51.2).

Meanwhile, Ekeler has averaged nine receptions and has five total
touchdowns in the past four games.

Herbert will be eager to distribute the wealth to his top weapons again,
but Ekeler could ultimately be the one who gives the Chiefs problems on
Sunday.

Containing the beast

The Chiefs rank No. 1 in offensive DVOA, and the primary reason for
being the top dog is Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is leading the league with
2,936 yards. He is on pace to throw for 5,545 yards, which would top
Peyton Manning’s single-season passing yards record (5,545).

[RM: This is an error; the correct number is 5,477.]

In Week 2, Los Angeles held Mahomes to 235 yards and two touchdowns.
Aside from a couple of big throws, the defense compressed the pocket,
kept contain, and got interior pressure to minimize him from working his
magic. The coverage was tight down the field. Players rallied to the
football.

They need to do the same thing to come out victorious this time, which
might be a tall task without Joey Bosa, who played in the first matchup.

This time, Mahomes will be without some of his pass-catching options,
JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion) and Mecole Hardman (injured reserve).
Travis Kelce remains his top target. In the two team’s first meeting,
Kelce caught five passes for 51 yards.

In addition, the Chargers will face the newest member of the Chiefs’
wide receiver corps, Kadarius Toney. Toney caught four passes for 57
yards and a touchdown and had two carries for 33 yards last weekend.

Protecting Herbert

Herbert’s fractured rib cartilage occurred against none other than the
Chiefs in the second week of the season. And Kansas City will look to
put Herbert under duress early and often again.

Over the past two weeks of play, the Chiefs’ defense has come up with a
whopping total of eight sacks, including five in Week 10 against the
Jaguars.

The Chargers’ pass protection has been inconsistent over the past few
weeks. While it’s been a few things for this issue, Trey Pipkins playing
with a sprained MCL and missing last weekend’s game due to it is one of
them.

Pipkins was removed from the injury report and is slated to start, which
is great news.

The new guys

The Chargers lost three interior defensive linemen for the remainder of
the season in the past two weeks. First, it was Austin Johnson. Then, it
was Otito Ogbonnia and Christian Covington. In addition, Jerry Tillery
was waived.

Tyeler Davison was signed to the 53-man roster off the Browns’ practice
squad. Joe Gaziano was signed from the practice squad to the active roster.

Davison brings plenty of experience, having appeared in 105 games and
started 85 with the Saints and Falcons. He has the motor and hand usage
to rush the passer and anchoring ability in the run game.

Gaziano made the most of his limited opportunities last season in both
departments but will primarily be deployed as a pass rusher alongside
Morgan Fox. He plays with quickness and good lateral movement.