Chargers’ defense holds as offense squanders comeback opportunity vs. Chiefs

The Chargers lost 24-17 on Monday, but their defense limited Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to 182 passing yards and forced Kansas City to punt four times in the fourth quarter, giving Philip Rivers and company chances to rally.

MEXICO CITY — Joey Bosa has played at an All-Pro level for most of the season, doing everything he can to give his offense an opportunity to rally late in games.

The Chargers’ defensive end didn’t have a game-wrecking performance Monday night, but he didn’t have to do it all alone. The Chargers’ defense contained the Kansas City Chiefs’ high-octane offense at Estadio Azteca.

Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes was held to 182 passing yards, his lowest output in a game he finished this season. The Chiefs were shut out in the first quarter and forced to punt four times in the fourth quarter.

But that wasn’t enough. Bosa and the defense were once again on the sidelines with the game on the line.

The AFC West matchup ended after quarterback Philip Rivers threw his fourth interception of the night in the end zone with 18 seconds left in regulation as the Chiefs sealed the 24-17 victory.

For the sixth time this season, the Chargers’ defense gave the offense an opportunity to tie the score or take the lead in the final minutes. Each time Rivers and Co. couldn’t complete the comeback.

“I was literally so not even focused on anything but us (the defense),” Bosa said about watching the Chargers’ final drive unfold Monday. “So I didn’t know the time. I was just focused on playing. I try to control what I can control and I try to let everything else play out.”

It hasn’t played out in favor of the Chargers (4-7) this season. They’ve lost all seven of their games by one score, with four ending on Rivers interceptions. Rivers has seven interceptions in the past two games and 14 this season, the second-worst in the NFL behind Tampa Bay’s Jameis Winston with 18.

Chargers coach Anthony Lynn was asked about a potential quarterback change after the bye week.

“I’m not going to entertain that right now,” Lynn said Tuesday. “I’m going to evaluate everything, and right now Philip Rivers is our starting quarterback. But I’m not going to single one position out. I’m looking at everybody. We’re 4-7. Everybody can be doing something better.”

In what has been a season-long theme, the Chargers played from behind for most of the second half against the Chiefs. But the defense gave Rivers and Co. plenty of opportunities to at least even the score.

The Chargers’ defense struggled in the third quarter when they allowed the Chiefs to score two touchdowns. Kansas City took a 24-9 lead after tight end Travis Kelce scored on a 23-yard pass with 4:56 left in the third quarter, but the Chiefs never scored again.

The Chargers trimmed the deficit to 24-17 after Keenan Allen found the end zone on a 7-yard pass from Rivers and tight end Hunter Henry caught a 2-point conversion pass. That’s when the Chargers forced the Chiefs to punt on their final four drives. Those four opportunities led to two punts and two interceptions for the Chargers.

“He made his throws,” Bosa said about Mahomes. “He hurt us with his arm. I just want to be perfect out there and it’s hard to do, especially against a player like that. I must have been back there 20 times today and didn’t get to him once. So it says a lot about him.”

Bosa only recorded two tackles, but it was a collective effort Monday night. Bosa carried the defense for the first part of the season, but the entire unit has played at a high level the past four games. They haven’t allowed 300 passing yards in a game since Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans, and that includes games against Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers and Mahomes.

The Chargers’ defense could get safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips back on the field after the bye week, but it might be too late at 4-7. James (foot) and Phillips (forearm) are on injured reserve. Phillips was designated for return and came close to playing Monday night.

Lynn was asked if he’ll consider shutting down James for the season with the playoffs now a longshot.

“No, not at all,” Lynn said. “Why would we do that? If we got healthy players as good as (James), if he can play, he’s gonna play. … We’re not tanking, guys. We’re 4-7. Last time I checked we have five games left. We still have a chance at a winning record here, and maybe get some help. Who knows.”

The close losses could be mentally draining for the team. The Chargers will attempt to regroup during their bye week before resuming the schedule on Dec. 1 against the Denver Broncos.

“Eleven weeks without a bye, are you kidding me?” Bosa said. “It’s a long time. So, yeah, I’m ready for the rest. I need it mentally.”

SWEET HOMECOMING

Chargers cornerback Michael Davis wanted to do something special for his homecoming game at Estadio Azteca.

Davis, who’s half Mexican on his mother’s side, considered coming out of the tunnel with the Mexican flag. It was one of many options, but then the decision hit him naturally during the national anthems.

Davis put the left side of his right hand over his chest as the announced crowd of 76,252 sang along to the Mexican national anthem. Davis’ hand gesture was the proper way to salute the Mexican flag and it made him a fan-favorite among the Mexican crowd.

Pictures of Davis standing next to teammates Melvin Ingram and Desmond King as he saluted during the Mexican national anthem were popular on social media and it made Mexican media headlines.

“When she started (singing), I was like, ‘Wow. Yeah, I’ll just do that,’” Davis said about saluting. “That’s when it hit me hard like, ‘Wow. Everybody knows the national anthem of Mexico.’ So that’s what’s beautiful about it.”

Many were surprised to learn that Davis is half Mexican. His mother, Ana Martinez, lived in Mexico City before she moved to Southern California at age 30. She took Davis to Mexico City often as a child because she wanted him to learn about his Mexican heritage.

“I’ve been getting messages on Instagram,” Davis said, “people telling me, ‘Oh, yeah, Michael, I didn’t know you were Mexican. Now you’re my No. 1 guy.’”

Michael Davis salutes during the Mexican national anthem #Chargers https://t.co/wZ1IiyyHfO

— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) November 19, 2019