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Chargers dominate AFC champs Kansas City in crisp first half

ByDale Bliss|
Jul 31, 2025; Canton, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Troy Dye (43) tackles Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) in the first quarter at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Jul 31, 2025; Canton, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Troy Dye (43) tackles Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds (13) in the first quarter at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

In the first quarter, Herbert and the Chargers outgained Kansas Chiefs 145-33. He started 7-9 for 118 yards and a touchdown.

When placekicker Cameron Dicker connected on a 39-yard field goal, Los Angeles led 10-0 at 13:47 of the second.

As the game goes on it appears the Corinthians Arena crowd is pro-offense. Troy Dye gets a big hit on Patrick Mahomes. Doesn't fall for the downfield pump fake. On third and goal from the 9, Mahomes rolled left with good coverage in the end zone, sacked by linebacker Daiyan Henley, who had six tackles in the first 22 minutes of the game.

The Chargers defense appears to have even more teeth in its second season under Jim Harbaugh. They also appear to have a running game now. North Carolina rookie Omarion Hampton started the game with five carries for 25 yards.

Ladd McConkey made a tough, consistent catch for a first down on third and five, his third of the game with 3:30 to go in the second quarter, extending the drive and keeping the ball away from Mahomes. On 2nd and 11 Herbert threw a laser to a wide-open McConkey for 23 yards down to the KC 31.

The drive reached the KC 20 when Herbert side-armed a ball to Keenan Allen for 7 yards on 3rd and 6. Dicker's 36-yard field goal made it 13-3 just before half. A mental mistake by Hampton, running out of bounds with 49 seconds to play, save precious seconds for Mahomes and the Chiefs, getting the ball back with 45 seconds to play and a chance to answer with a score.

On first down Mahomes immediately hit former Duck Donte Thornton for 39 yards down to the 33. Hampton's rookie mistake appeared to cost his team, but two false starts drove them back. Harrison Butker connected on a 59-yard fire-drill field goal as time was running out in the half, cutting the lead to 13-7.

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