The Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers on Thursday Night Football seemed completely demoralizing. But, believe it or not, there is a silver lining.
On the surface, the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the L.A. Chargers felt like one of the worst in recent memory.
The stakes were extremely high on Thursday night, and, at least initially, the Chiefs seemed ready for the challenge. Early on, they looked poised to lock down the AFC West crown for the third straight time and all but lock down the top seed in the playoffs. But, it was not to be.
For a myriad of reasons, for the first time all season, this team appeared to crumble against an inferior foe under the bright lights of primetime. Fans are understandably upset. The play calling was poor on both sides of the ball in the second half. For the first time all year, old habits appeared to die hard. Reid regressed to conservatism on offense and allowed the Chargers back into the game.
There are a lot more reasons to be upset about this loss, but at the same time, there are reasons to feel positive going forward. This loss undoubtedly will light a fire under Patrick Mahomes and company to never take a lead for granted again. This was the first time all season the Chiefs had a significant lead and ended up losing. With as much success as the offense has had, it is understandable they might have become complacent. This loss ensures that will not continue going forward.
What’s more, Reid has essentially been a kid at Christmastime with the Chiefs’ talent on offense. He is one of the most gifted offensive minds in the NFL, and Patrick Mahomes and his surrounding talents have taken things to new heights. Again, it is understandable given the Chiefs had beaten Rivers and the Chargers nine straight times that complacency had crept in. My guess is, just like the team, Reid will internalize this loss. This is his best chance to win a Super Bowl in over a decade, and I think he knows that.
Arguably the most important take from this loss is that there is a good chance the Chiefs will meet the Chargers again in the playoffs. History tells us it can be difficult to beat a team three times in one season. Like it or not, this season is all about winning a Super Bowl. It seems crazy to say that, given no one expected it when the season started, but that is where we’re at. This loss ensures that if the Chiefs do play the Chargers in the playoffs, they will enter that game with a chip on their shoulder.
I’m not one for moral victories, and I don’t think Reid or this Chiefs team is either. But this is a great team, even with all of its flaws. Luckily, if they take care of business in the next two weeks this loss won’t actually matter. They have 10 days to get their heads right, and I’m confident this loss will serve as fuel and a valuable learning lesson for the stretch run.