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AFC West Report: Chiefs Tumble while the Chargers Rise

By Ellen Mathis

Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts to a call against the Buffalo Bills. during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts to a call against the Buffalo Bills. during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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The days seem even darker, and I don’t think it is just the changing of the seasons. This Chiefs team is seriously flawed. Maybe it is a double Super Bowl hangover, maybe it is coaching, but if the team does not figure it out fast, they will be on the outside looking in at this year’s playoffs. While the Chiefs flounder, however, let’s take a look at the other AFC rivals as the race for the AFC West crown gets a little clearer…

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 10: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers throws the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers

Well folks, looks like we might have a new AFC West prince. Justin Herbert outdualed Baker Mayfield on Sunday in a matchup that rivaled the Mahomes-Mayfield college game. All offense and apparently no defense. I am always cautious of the Chargers at the beginning of the season because national media always crowns them and they always disappoint. Herbert is something different. He is likeably shy and a fantastic quarterback. This will be a challenge to the Chiefs for years to come.

Herbert also added another notable stat to his resume:

Look, I don’t like the Chargers, but I have to pay respect when it is earned. First year head coach Brandon Staley is coaching a heck of team to an impressive season. I think the Chargers are going to take the AFC West crown away from the Chiefs and, god forbid, go deep into the playoffs. The Mahomes-Herbert rivalry for the next 30 years (both will play 30 years right?) is going to be must-watch football. I’m here for it.

Unfortunately, the Chargers suffered a relatively major injury on Sunday. Guard Oday Aboushi is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. This will certainly be a problem because protecting Herbert is vital if the Chargers want to continue to put up big numbers and make a deep playoff run. In response, the Chargers:

Next week’s matchup is a DOOZY. The Chargers travel to Baltimore to take on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Lamar is playing out of his mind right now and even with all the injuries, the Ravens are putting together a heck of a season. This will be an incredibly tough test for the Chargers and if they win, I don’t see them relinquishing the top spot in the AFC. Could we see an AFC Championship played at the same stadium as the Super Bowl???

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