chargers Defeat chiefs in historic Sao paulo Matchup, Herbert Leads Comeback
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - Justin Herbert delivered a stellar performance Sunday, leading the Los Angeles Chargers to a 27-18 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL’s first regular-season game played in Brazil. the win marks a significant early-season triumph for the Chargers and a rare regular-season loss for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
The game, played before a vibrant international crowd, showcased Herbert’s poise and precision, especially in the second half. The Chargers’ victory disrupts the Chiefs’ dominance in the AFC West and signals a potential shift in the conference landscape. Kansas City had previously held a 17-game winning streak in one-score contests, a league record, entering Friday’s game. This result sets the stage for a competitive divisional race and raises questions about the Chiefs’ vulnerability.
A pivotal moment arrived with 12 minutes remaining, as the Chiefs attempted to capitalize on consecutive touchdown drives. Though, the Chargers responded with a methodical, 11-play drive consuming seven minutes of clock time. Herbert completed all eight of his passes during the possession, consistently finding receivers in the middle of the field. He exploited vulnerabilities in the chiefs’ safety coverage, specifically targeting Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks. Herbert capped the drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston, extending the Chargers’ lead to 27-18.Herbert finished the second half completing 13 of 16 pass attempts for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Despite facing pressure and being sacked twice, Herbert secured a crucial 19-yard scramble on a third-and-14 snap late in the fourth quarter, effectively sealing the victory. Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen were key targets throughout the game, contributing to Herbert’s success.
The Chargers will next face the Philadelphia Eagles on September 14th at 4:25 pm.
