After a hot start on both sides of the ball, the Kansas City Chiefs caught a huge break against the Los Angeles Chargers when linebacker Anthony Hitchens grabbed a clutch interception on a pass tipped by rookie Nick Bolton. The Chiefs’ defensive depth was called into question when they placed several key starters in COVID protocols and on the inactive list coming into this game.
Without Willie Gay Jr., many thought Kansas City would have a tough time against a Chargers offense that has been hot in recent weeks. Justin Herbert is Los Angeles’ franchise quarterback after a phenomenal rookie season that drew a comparison to Patrick Mahomes among others. The linebackers were keen to spoil the party in Week 15, though, and are out to prove that the Chiefs have depth at the position that could be an asset in the playoffs.
Check out the action on this play, and notice how quick Hitchens was to react to the play as it unfolded:
Bolton tips and Hitchens PICKS. #ChiefsKingdom
📺: #KCvsLAC on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
📱: https://t.co/yEB6Ii5nMh pic.twitter.com/KSiqpJzWrc— NFL (@NFL) December 17, 2021
The Chiefs have a 3-point lead in this game after the combined effort from their linebackers, and they will look to continue keeping the Chargers’ offense at bay to extend their lead in the AFC West. With so much at stake in this game, Kansas City’s defense has no room to let up in their intensity, as no margin of victory is safe against an offense of Los Angeles’ caliber.
This interception marked the Chiefs’ 13th of the season and 24th turnover overall in their 2021 campaign. They’ve been on a tear during their six-game winning streak, with 16 of their turnovers coming in recent wins since Week 8. They have proven that they could evolve from their status as a liability to start the season into a force to be reckoned with that should be a tough out in any playoff scenario.
