Chiefs Aren’t Looking Ahead Of The Chargers
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As Kansas City looks to bounce back from last weekend’s loss, there’s one thing that’s for certain: The Chiefs aren’t looking ahead of San Diego.
Though the Chargers enter this game on a three game losing streak and have a 4-6 overall record, the Chiefs seem to really respect what the Chargers are bringing to the table.
According to quotes via Reid Ferrin of KCChiefs.com, offensive coordinator Doug Pederson spoke highly of the Bolts defense:
"“Oh wow, multiple fronts, multiple coverages that give you a lot of exotic pressures,” Pederson said. “They have good pass rushers. They can disrupt timing in the passing game and they’re pretty stout against the run, so, it’s a good test for not only our offensive line but our offense as a whole.”"
Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz also praised San Diego’s defense, especially the front line:
"“They have some great personnel up-front like number 94 (DE Corey Liuget) and 91 (DE Kendall Reyes),” Schwartz said. “Those guys are good inside. They have active linebackers; they blitz a lot. They present a lot of the same problems that every team does; we’re going to have to pick up a lot of their pressure and on the run game, we’re going to have to move those guys inside.”"
Corey Liuget will provide the Chiefs with quite a challenge this week. He’s 6-foot-2, 300 pounds and has accumulated 27 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble this season.
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For as worried as the Chiefs seem to be about San Diego’s defense though, hopefully they’ve spent some time focusing on the Chargers offense as well.
San Diego is ranked eighth in the NFL in total offense, averaging 399.4 yards per game and 22.8 points per game. The Chargers are also tied for fifth in the NFL in passing yards, averaging 288 yards per game through the air.
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Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton broke down the Chargers’ offense and specifically quarterback Philip Rivers, according to Ferrin:
"“Another really, really good offense,” Sutton said. “I think Philip Rivers is playing at maybe the best level he’s been at in two or three years. He’s in that same category as the guy we just got done with (Peyton Manning). He’s completing 70.9% of his throws and has a 104.4 quarterback rating. I think he’s made a big difference in their offensive system. He still has the great arm. He can get the ball down the field on the deep intermediate cuts; that’s something he’s always done a great job of in San Diego. I think the things he’s added to his game include him being able to drop it off."
Rivers has thrown for 2,989 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season so far. He has thrown eight picks, though.
Though the Chargers come in with a disappointing record and the Broncos game next week will be looming, it’s good to see Kansas City focusing on the task at hand—and that’s beating San Diego.