- REWATCH: Chiefs-Chargers on NFL+ Premium
- READ: Chiefs WR Worthy exits loss with shoulder injury
- READ: Herbert 'incredible' in 3-TD, streak-busting win for Chargers
- Chargers exorcise divisional demon. Los Angeles flew to Brazil with a losing streak against Kansas City that dated back to late September 2021 stowed away with its luggage. The Chargers won't need to check that bag for the return trip home. Year 2 of the Jim Harbaugh era got off to an emphatic start in an unexpected fashion as the run-first Chargers of 2024 began 2025 with an aerial attack that appeared to catch the Chiefs off-guard. The approach powered a statement scoring drive that helped Los Angeles gain a crucial early lead on Kansas City, and when it came time for the Chargers to drain clock in the fourth quarter, they refused to get conservative, unleashing Justin Herbert's fantastic arm and passing their way down the field for another score that proved to be decisive. The question about this team entering 2025 was whether run-focused offensive coordinator Greg Roman might open up Los Angeles' passing attack after identifying as a rugged, ground-focused offense last season. The Chargers answered that question forcefully Friday night.
- Chiefs' defense wilts in season debut. When they won their last Super Bowl in the 2023 season, the Chiefs hung their hat on Steve Spagnuolo's defense. The 2025 unit couldn't hold a candle to that group, at least not after one game. Offseason losses in the secondary became a glaring weakness on Friday night as Herbert diced up Kansas City's defense for 394 yards, 318 coming through the air. Spagnuolo realized in the second half that his last resort -- sending many blitzes -- was his only chance of earning stops, and when the Chargers needed to ice the game, they knew exactly how to dial up plays with full anticipation of the blitz. This is not the style of Chiefs teams of the past, and if they want to continue their dominance of both the AFC West and the conference at large, they'll need to improve significantly on the defensive side going forward.
- Rumors of Los Angeles' receiver issues were greatly exaggerated. As the 2025 season crept closer, most everyone in the football world scanned the Chargers' receiving depth chart and started wringing their hands. Then Keenan Allen made his way back to Los Angeles in early August following Mike Williams' decision to retire, and to the surprise of some, instantly made a difference in Week 1. The 33-year-old wideout caught seven passes for 68 yards and a touchdown, bringing much-needed proven talent to the corps and complementing Quentin Johnston, who had one of the best games of his career Friday night, catching Herbert's first and last touchdown passes to both set the tone and seal the win. With Johnston and Allen producing, Ladd McConkey was able to find a sweet spot in the corps, hauling in six passes for 74 yards and forming a trio that was so good that L.A. didn't need rookie Tre Harris much at all. The combined production brought much-needed balance the Chargers lacked a year ago, raising their offensive ceiling going forward.
- Worthy's exit looms as a multi-week concern. The Chiefs spent the entire offseason speaking about how they wanted to return to their explosive roots in 2025, a result that undoubtedly depended on the involvement of Xavier Worthy, a second-year burner who was primed to play a bigger role this year. That ambition fizzled after just three snaps Friday night. Worthy collided with tight end Travis Kelce while running a mesh concept on third down and took the full force of Kelce on his right shoulder, knocking him out of the action for the night and throwing a wrench into Kansas City's game plan. The Chiefs needed nearly the entire first half to reorganize and return to their 2024 form -- an approach built on short passing and Patrick Mahomes improvisation -- before finding a rhythm and climbing back into the game. If Worthy's injury causes him to miss multiple games, their dreams of big plays might have to be put on hold (especially with Rashee Rice serving a six-game suspension), temporarily lowering the ceiling on a unit they hoped would propel them this season.
- Harbaugh's imprint is starting to show. Yes, the Chargers reached the postseason in their first season under Jim Harbaugh, but that was merely the prelude to what could await for Los Angeles with the seasoned coach. From the opening kick of the Hall of Fame Game, the Chargers have looked like a disciplined, well-coached organization and that was very evident Friday night, starting with an excellent opening script devised by offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Even when the Chiefs mounted a comeback, the Chargers didn't Charger -- aka, find ways to implode and lose a close game in heartbreaking fashion -- a sign that Harbaugh's culture is taking hold in Los Angeles. It's only one game, but these Chargers look like the professional outfit they've long strived to become.
Next Gen Stats Insight for Chiefs-Chargers (NFL Pro): Patrick Mahomes scrambled to run six times for 57 yards and a touchdown, generating a career-high four explosive scramble runs of 10-plus yards while tying his career high with five first downs.
NFL Research: With Friday night's win, Jim Harbaugh improved his Week 1 record to 6-0 as an NFL coach, tying for the most Week 1 wins without a loss in NFL history.
