The Kansas City Chiefs are getting ready to face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11 in Mexico City, hoping to get a win against an AFC West rival.
To learn more about Kansas City’s opponent, we spoke with managing editor Gavino Borquez over at Chargers Wire and asked him a few questions.
Chiefs Wire: Philip Rivers is 37 years old and in the final season of his contract. Do you get the sense this might be his last hurrah with the Chargers?
Chargers Wire: In 2018, Rivers had one of the most productive seasons in his professional career. However, he hasn’t been able to match that in 2019. Rivers leads the league in passing yards, but he has tied for the second-most interceptions thrown. Inconsistency along the offensive line is to blame for his woes, but there are obvious signs of regression — poor decision-making and lack of arm talent. Rivers, who’s turning 38 in December, will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and this could mark the last time he will be in a Chargers uniform. Whether he’s considering retiring or playing another season or two with another team, there’s a sense that the team wants to start fresh with their future signal-caller when they move into their new stadium with the Rams in Inglewood, Calif. Not to mention, Los Angeles has a lot of decisions to make when it comes to re-signing some of their premier players within the next couple of seasons, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they use that money that could be used on Rivers elsewhere.
Chiefs Wire: How have Trent Scott and Trey Pipkins performed in the absence of the Chargers’ starting offensive tackles?
Chargers Wire: Last week’s loss against the Raiders marked the first time that Pipkins and Scott were on the field at the same time. Pipkins filled in at left tackle when Russell Okung went down with a groin injury, while Scott got the start on the right side because Sam Tevi was ruled out with a knee injury. It’s safe to say Oakland took advantage of their inexperience, getting to Rivers five times and pressuring him 10 total times. The majority of the heat came from Scott’s side, and while Pipkins did experience some growing pains, he looked decent in his professional regular-season debut. At the moment, Pipkins and Scott are the probable starters, but there’s a chance that Okung could play (Monday). Regardless, I expect Kansas City’s Frank Clark and Alex Okafor to have success.
Chiefs Wire: Can you tell us a bit about new Chargers OC Shane Steichen and how he’s done since taking over?
Chargers Wire: Steichen took over in Week 9 after the Chargers decided to get rid of Ken Whisenhunt after they struggled to find success on offense the first half of the season. Through two weeks, Steichen has made a difference by simply establishing a rhythm after weeks of appearing out of sync. Steichen has used Rivers’ football intelligence by getting him up to the line of scrimmage early, to read the defense and get the team in the best position to flourish. Steichen has also established balance by getting the ball to all of their playmakers, including running back Melvin Gordon, who got off to a slow start but ran wild the past two games, rushing for 188 yards on 42 carries (4.4 yards per carry), including three touchdowns.
Chiefs Wire: Are there any emergent Chargers players that Chiefs fans might not know about this season?
Chargers Wire: Since starting center Mike Pouncey went down with a season-ending injury, his backup, Scott Quessenberry has done an excellent job at filling in for him. There has hardly been any pressure from the inside because he’s been great in pass protection, holding his blocks and diagnosing blitzes. Quessenberry has been a big contributor in the run blocking department. Chris Jones will be quite the test for Quessenberry, but he’s more than capable of limiting him. On the defensive side of the ball, defensive tackle Damion Square has been the unsung hero. Square’s motor is always running hot and he has a knack for getting to the quarterback, but he is at his best at defending the run.
Chiefs Wire: How do Chargers fans feel about the rumors that the team might consider a move from Los Angeles?
Chargers Wire: There was a recent report that said the Chargers would listen to the possibility of moving to London, but owner Dean Spanos quickly shut down that rumor. For the most part, fans aren’t buying into the rumors of the team moving, and the thought of it makes them sick since they’ve already dealt with the move to Los Angeles from the beloved San Diego.
