Around the AFC West, Week 2: Chiefs win, rivals lose
By Ellen Mathis
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers traveled to Detroit to take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. The Chargers jumped out to an early 10-6 lead but were haunted by their old foe: the kicking game.
For most of the day, quarterback Philip Rivers looked fine, as the Chargers were driving down the field in the final minutes of the game trailing by just 3 and within field goal range. However, Rivers tried to force a pass to wide receiver Keenan Allen that was intercepted by Darius Slay. This sealed the win for the Lions and ensured that the Chargers would fall in the AFC West. In addition to kicking woes, the Chargers had two touchdowns negated by flags and fumbled at the one yard line when Austin Ekeler tried to dive in.
Overall, this was a game that the Chargers absolutely should have won, but mistake after mistake led to a loss and to a 1-1 record on the season.
Cornerback Michael Davis was inactive for the game with a hamstring injury, while safety Adrian Phillips left in the fourth quarter with a forearm injury. After the game, it was reported that he broke his forearm. Given that he was the replacement for Derwin James, the Chargers are now down to their third string safety. We will see how this plays out.
One other injury note is that of tight end Hunter Henry. He suffered a fracture to his left knee that was not initially reported after the Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts. He is expected to miss four to six weeks despite no official time frame.
Next week, the Chargers host the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. The Texans are coming off a close game against the Jacksonville Jaguars where they pulled off the win. Both teams enter with a 1-1 record. Quarterback Deshaun Watson looks great this year despite the fact that he cannot remain upright. I expect the Chargers defensive front will have a field day as they get to Watson multiple times.
The Texans defense will be a tough test for the Chargers, but I believe the Chargers will bounce back and play well. I anticipate a win for the Chargers. Game time is 3:25 p.m.