Are Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers ready for a measuring stick game against the Chiefs? This question looms large as the Los Angeles Chargers prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a formidable opponent and reigning Super Bowl champion, in an AFC West showdown at SoFi Stadium.
In his first press conference back in January, Jim Harbaugh boldly stated his ambition to secure multiple Super Bowl victories as the head coach of a franchise still in search of its first Lombardi Trophy. To achieve this lofty goal, he must first overcome the Chiefs, who have consistently been a thorn in the Chargers’ side.
“This is a tremendous opportunity,” Harbaugh emphasized to the media this week. “We are approaching it with that mindset.”
Despite the Chargers’ recent struggles against Kansas City, having lost their last five encounters, Harbaugh brings a wealth of experience to the matchup. He boasts a 5-1 record against the Chiefs as both a player and coach, including a perfect 2-0 against veteran coach Andy Reid. Their last meeting was in 2014 when Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to a narrow victory.
Recognizing the significance of this game, Harbaugh paid tribute to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback, who has been instrumental in their recent success. “He’s had an amazing career,” he remarked. “There’s nothing he can’t do.”
However, the Chargers face challenges of their own heading into this pivotal matchup. They may be without several key players due to injuries and a suspension. Notably, safety Derwin James will miss the game after losing his appeal regarding a one-game suspension for repeated safety violations.
Harbaugh expressed disappointment over the league’s decision, stating, “Derwin has tried to play the game safely. He genuinely does not want to hurt any other player, and the film supports that.”
In addition to James’ absence, star quarterback Justin Herbert is still recovering from a high-ankle sprain. Other key players, including left tackle Rashawn Slater and defensive end Joey Bosa, also missed practice due to injuries.
Despite the setbacks, Harbaugh shared positive news regarding Herbert’s condition, noting that an MRI revealed no significant damage. The quarterback, who participated in limited practice, expressed optimism about his recovery.
Herbert played against the Steelers last week but had to exit the game after re-injuring his ankle. “It’s a day-to-day process,” he explained. “As long as I keep improving, we’ll see how it goes.”
After facing the Chiefs, the Chargers will have a bye week, potentially giving Herbert two weeks to heal before their next game against Denver. If Herbert cannot play, Taylor Heinicke will take the reins. Heinicke, who was acquired via trade, has a mixed record as a starter.
On the bright side, the Chargers will be facing a Kansas City team that has not looked invincible. Mahomes is currently experiencing one of the slowest starts of his career, with his lowest passing yards and touchdowns through the first three games of any season.
[Related: Why Chiefs’ offensive plan isn’t coming together as Patrick Mahomes envisioned]
Despite these struggles, the Chiefs remain undefeated at 3-0. Mahomes will hit a career milestone with his 100th start, where he holds records for the most wins, passing yards, touchdowns, and completions in the first 100 starts of a quarterback’s career.
Regardless of who is starting at quarterback for the Chargers, Harbaugh plans to stick with a run-heavy strategy. Running back J.K. Dobbins ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards and leads the league in yards per carry. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have been vulnerable against the run, allowing over 130 rushing yards per game.
“There are many schemes to consider,” Harbaugh noted. “[Chiefs defensive coordinator] Steve Spagnuolo has a wide-ranging playbook. His ability to calculate and adapt is impressive.”
A victory against the Chiefs would elevate the Chargers to a promising 3-1 record early in the season. Historically, teams that start 3-1 have a significantly higher chance of making the playoffs compared to those that start 2-2.
Thus, defeating Kansas City would not only serve as a statement to the reigning champions but also provide Harbaugh with a strong foundation for leading the Chargers toward a postseason appearance in his inaugural season.
