Keys to the Game: Chargers vs. Chiefs Skip to main content Open menu button Primary nav TEAM SCHEDULE NEWS VIDEO PHOTOS PODCASTS SOFI STADIUM COMMUNITY GAMING STUDIO PURO CHARGERS APP PROMOTIONS & CONTESTS BUSINESS ALLIANCE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES PRACTICE FACILITY TICKETS ACCOUNT MANAGER PRO SHOP WATCH LIVE NFL GAMES TICKETS SHOP Action related nav TICKETS ACCOUNT MANAGER PRO SHOP WATCH LIVE NFL GAMES News Home 5 Takeaways Bolts Buzz From the Podium Top Quotes Longforms Transactions New Practice Facility Advertising Chargers Official Site | Los Angeles Chargers - chargers.com Keys to the Game: Chargers vs. Chiefs Dec 13, 2018 at 10:59 AM Ricky Henne Managing Editor Copied! Here are five keys to the game heading into Week 15's showdown between the Chargers and the Chiefs. 1. Road Warriors – Bolts. Chiefs. Primetime. A share of the AFC West on the line and a postseason berth in play. Ladies and Gentlemen, it doesn't get much better than this! And, for that very reason, you can expect a usually raucous Arrowhead Stadium to be even rowdier Thursday night. The Chargers have already won in two of the toughest places to play, beating the Seahawks and the "12s" in Seattle and rallying past the Steelers in Pittsburgh in a Sunday night thriller for the ages. The Bolts clearly are road-tested, but Philip Rivers knows they're in for perhaps their biggest test this week. While it will be a hard one to pass, it's a challenge Rivers relishes: "It's awesome. It's old school. It's old-school NFL with passionate fans, especially when they're having the success that they've had — in the four or five-year run that they've had, they've won a lot of football games. It'll be awesome. I think it's awesome. You get an opportunity to play in these games, it will be a little cool. It's definitely a challenge because you're managing noise and all kinds of things, but it's also the kind of atmosphere that you love playing." 2. Control the Clock – The Chargers boast one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, so you constantly see teams trying to keep Philip Rivers and company on the sideline as much as possible. Well, it's a strategy the Bolts may need to use against Patrick Mahomes and a Chiefs offense that leads the league in points (36.1) and total offense (437.5 ypg) and ranks third in passing (318.8 ypg). Thus, it's imperative the Chargers move the chains on third down and assert their will on the ground. They may have to do the latter without their top two backs as Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are both nursing injuries. Nonetheless, Head Coach Anthony Lynn noted how the Baltimore Ravens limited Mahomes' possessions a week ago, explaining how it is a philosophy the team may adapt: "We watched all of it. Baltimore — it was a physical game and I thought Baltimore played their game and they had a chance to win it. They controlled the ball. They kept (Kansas City's) offense on the sidelines. Sometimes your offense is your best defense. I thought they did a good job of that, but Kansas City found a way to win in the end and that's what they have been doing all season. They have been outscoring people in the fourth quarter…You can take some things from (their game plan), but we have our own defensive scheme and strategy." 3. Limit but Don't Break – It's no secret that the Bolts are proud of their bend but don't break defense. Well, this week, it'll be limit but don't break. Let's be honest – it's likely that the Chiefs will have some chunk plays Thursday night as they lead the league in that category, aided mostly by Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. The key is to limit how many they author. However, after they have an explosive play, it's critical to quickly rebound and hold them to field goals instead of touchdowns. Overall, it's Mahomes' ability to extend plays that are key to KC's explosive offense, and Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley outlined what makes the second-year QB so effective: "He's unique in his ability to extend plays and his arm strength. I think they incorporate the routes based on his arm strength and they feel like you know what, we are going to have very good protection, so some of the routes the break point is at 10 but this team is at 17. Everything is just a little bit deeper. I think that's the challenge for our defense. To understand that this is not some of the normal things that we see from week-in and week-out, and because of his ability to extend the play, some of those shots turn out not to be 20-yard gains, but a touchdown. I think that's what unique about them — they are very challenging offensively." 4. The Eric Berry Factor – Eric Berry is one of the top safeties in the game…but he hasn't suited up in well over a year. In fact, the last time Berry took the field was Week 1 of the 2017 season against the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, he suffered an Achilles injury that night and missed the rest of the year. He was primed to return to start this season, but a heel injury suffered late in the summer has kept him sidelined. That is, until now. While it's not official, all signs out of Kansas City point toward Berry making his long-awaited return Thursday night. Thus, not only will the Bolts have to face off against one of the league's elite safeties, they also must combat the emotional lift his return gives the entire team. Rivers has had countless battles with Berry over the years, and he opened up about what it's like to go up against him: "He's a heck of a player. Obviously, he hasn't played since Week 1 of last year, I guess. He's an awesome player. Just an awesome football player. He's a heck of a tackler in the run game and can cover you and a lot of ground in the passing game. I don't think it changes our approach (if he plays). It can't from how we go into the game, but he certainly would be a guy that we would know if he was out there. You know where he is. He's that kind of player." Bolts Prep for Thursday Night Football Browse through the top practice photos as the Chargers prep for their primetime divisional matchup against the Chiefs in Week 15. 1 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 2 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 3 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 4 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 5 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 6 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 7 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 8 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 9 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 10 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 11 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 12 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 13 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. 14 / 14 Los Angeles Chargers practice at Hoag Performance Center on Wednesday, Dec.11, 2018 in Costa Mesa, CA. Advertising This Ad will close in 3 5. Embrace the Moment – As noted in the first key, this is the type of game players dream about as children. The Chargers have embraced big moments all year long, whether it's a trip across the pond to London or a Sunday night showdown vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. Well, this is another moment to cherish as the team can clinch a playoff berth in dramatic fashion. The key is to stay loose, something this team has managed to do in high pressure situations. It's a quality not every team possesses, and one Rivers believes has helped the Bolts all year long: "I think you embrace it. I think you should be excited about it. These are the games, these are the ones that you dream about when you're little. These are the ones that you talk about in the offseason — having a chance to play and keep your division champ hopes alive and get you a spot in the postseason. These are the games that you want to be in, and we find ourselves in them. It has been a long time, but I think you acknowledge that and you're excited, but then you just have to go play. We don't need more this week than we've had any other week. Just play the way we play and find a W." Related Content news What You Need to Know About Free Agency Free agency is right around the corner so there's no better time to get acclimated to the ins-and-outs than now. news What You Need to Know About Free Agency Free agency is right around the corner so there's no better time to get acclimated to the ins-and-outs than now. Here's what you need to know. news Which Chargers are Unrestricted Free Agents in 2021? As the Bolts prepare for 2021, take a look at the players who will be unrestricted free agents when their contracts expire in March. news Joey Bosa Nominated for 2020 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award Each NFL team nominates one of its players for the award, which recognizes players around the league who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field. news The Night Austin Ekeler Made the Chargers A standout performance in the 2017 preseason finale was the start Ekeler's rise to NFL stardom. news Nasir Adderley on Opportunities and "Not Taking Any Day for Granted" in 2020 "I'm prepared and I trust my preparation. I'm confident wherever they want to put me." news Drue Tranquill: SoFi Stadium an 'Engineering Phenomena' Take a look back at what the second-year linebacker had to say on "Chargers Weekly." news Breiden Fehoko on Dad's Influence & the Impact of "Uncle Junior" on His Family The rookie nose tackle reflects on how his Polynesian culture "built on love and respect" has been a driving force for the bond between him and his dad. news With Week 1 Approaching, Chargers to Rely on Secondary Depth A timetable has not yet been determined for All-Pro safety Derwin James' return to the field. news Rookies Get Taste of Chargers Football "It seems like this offseason has been going on forever, so just having a chance to come out here and compete with my teammates has been a true blessing." news Tight End Donald Parham Jr. Looks to Bring Big-Play Ability to Bolts The 6-foot-8, 260-pound tight end was dominant in the XFL. news SoFi Stadium Takes Center Stage for Social Justice "The gorilla is out there. The gorilla is racism. It's there and we feel it. I've lived it all my life." Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. From Our Partners video Uncle Ardy at SoFi Stadium Uncle Ardy from Pirnia Law Group shows off his Chargers buses that can be seen around SoFi Stadium on gameday. video Chargers Partner with Fresh Vine Wine, Co-Owned by Nina Dobrev & Julianne Hough The Chargers announced a new multi-year partnership with Fresh Vine Wine, owned by entrepreneurs Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough, to feature their wine at select bars at SoFi Stadium! To celebrate the announcement, Dobrev and Hough cheered on the Chargers at the team's first home game at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, August 22. video Chargers, SoFi Celebrate Bolt Academy Graduation Event In partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers Impact Fund, Inglewood Unified School District, and Brotherhood Crusade, SoFi celebrated the graduation of 14 young scholars from the Bolt Academy program. The program is designed to offer juniors and seniors from Inglewood high schools the opportunity to participate in a six month after-school program to develop leadership and job-readiness skills. video Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough Vlog Their Trip to SoFi Stadium Entrepreneurs Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough crash the Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers preseason game at SoFi Stadium! Join them for a vlog of their tour of the one-of-a-kind NFL stadium as they promote their lifestyle wine brand, Fresh Vine Wine. video Chargers and Nike Host Girl Scouts Flag Football Event Nearly 150 local Girl Scouts came together for a day of flag football skills and fundamentals on the Bolts' training camp fields at Jack Hammett Sports Complex. news Los Angeles Chargers and Fresh Vine Wine Announce Partnership Celebrities Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough partner with the Chargers for a new SoFi Stadium offering. video All In: Episode 3 | First Blood On the third episode of ALL IN Season 2, go all-access as the 2022 LA Chargers begin their season and see who will draw first blood in the battle for the highly competitive AFC West. Go behind the scenes of the Bolts' first two games vs the Raiders & Chiefs. video Coming Soon | All In Season 2, Episode 3 Get an exclusive look at the LA Chargers as they begin the 2022 season and battle against two AFC West opponents. Check out episode 3 of All In Season 2 on Chargers' YouTube and Chargers.com Friday, September 23rd at 10am. news Chargers Elevate Jason Moore, Jr. and Richard Rodgers The Los Angeles Chargers today activated wide receiver Jason Moore Jr., and tight end Richard Rodgers from the practice squad for Thursday night's game. video Bolt Up: Chargers at Chiefs Hype Video The Bolts will take on the the Kansas City Chiefs to open the first ever Prime Video Thursday Night Football in Kansas City for Week 2. news Los Angeles Chargers Sign Christian Covington to Active Roster The Los Angeles Chargers today signed defensive lineman Christian Covington to the active roster from the team's practice squad. To make room for Covington on the active roster, the Chargers waived defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko. video Bolt Up: Chargers vs Raiders Hype Video The Bolts will take on the the Las Vegas Raiders to open the 2022 NFL season in Week 1 at SoFi Stadium. news Chargers Elevate Kemon Hall & Richard Rodgers for Week 1 The Los Angeles Chargers today activated cornerback Kemon Hall and tight end Richard Rodgers from the practice squad for Sunday's game. video All In: Episode 2 | Football 202 On the second episode of ALL IN Season 2, go all-access on the 2022 LA Chargers. With quarterback Justin Herbert entering Year 2 in Joe Lombardi's offensive scheme, the Bolts are set on stacking upon their success in his record-breaking 2021 season and making a run in 2022. news 5 Things to Watch for in 2nd Episode of 'All In' Here's a look at key storylines from the second episode of the all-access show video Coming Soon | All In Season 2, Episode 2 Get an exclusive look at the LA Chargers as they begin 2022 training camp and prepare to put in work to separate themselves from the pack. Check out episode 2 of All In Season 2 on Chargers' YouTube and Chargers.com Monday September 5. news Los Angeles Chargers Sign Running Back Sony Michel The Los Angeles Chargers today signed running back Sony Michel. In a corresponding move, the team waived running back Larry Rountree III. news Los Angeles Chargers Sign 14 Players to Practice Squad The Los Angeles Chargers today signed 14 players to the practice squad. news Los Angeles Chargers Reduce Roster to 53 Players The Los Angeles Chargers today released one player and waived 26, including one with an injury designation. news Going the Distance with DeAndre Carter "I'm trying to make a play out there. I'm trying to be exciting and explosive for our team and the crowd. Big returns are definitely big momentum shifts in the game for your team." news Los Angeles Chargers Trim Roster to 80 Players The Los Angeles Chargers today reduced the roster to 80 players. video All In: Episode 1 | Get Your Mind Right On the season premiere of ALL IN, go back inside Chargers headquarters as, after a rollercoaster 2021 season full of broken records and close finishes, the LA Chargers are back with a new rookie class and a retooled defense. Get exclusive access to the Bolts team meeting room as Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa, Derwin James and more begin creating a championship mentality for 2022. news 5 Things to Watch for in 1st Episode of 'All In' The 2022 season premiere is out, and here's a look at key storylines from the first episode of the all-access show gallery Top Shots: Bolts Host Cowboys at SoFi Stadium Check out the best shots from the Chargers Preseason Week 2 game against the Dallas Cowboys news 5 Takeaways: Palmer's TD Highlights Bolts 2nd Preseason Game Second-year wide receiver had three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown Saturday night gallery Bolts in B&W: Best of Training Camp 2022 Take a look back at the Chargers time at the Jack Hammett Sports Complex for Training Camp 2022 in monochrome news How Breiden Fehoko is a 'Different Player' in Year 3 "When you're out there with older guys who are actually teaching you...it makes you realize that these guys want the best from you even though you're all competing." news What the Derwin James, Jr., Contract Extension Means for the Chargers New deal between Bolts and All-Pro player ensures James remains versatile and vital piece of Chargers defense news Chargers Sign Derwin James Jr. to Multi-Year Extension The Los Angeles Chargers today signed safety Derwin James Jr., to a multi-year contract extension. news Los Angeles Chargers Announce Roster Moves The Los Angeles Chargers today waived three players and waived/injured two others. video Coming Soon: All In Season 2 All In is back for season 2 as your all-access pass to the 2022 Los Angeles Chargers. Go behind the scenes of the Bolts all season long as Justin Herbert, Khalil Mack and more prepare to make a run in 2022. All In Season 2 premieres August 22 at 10 am PDT on Chargers' YouTube and Chargers.com. news Everything You Need to Know About the Launch of 'All In' Season 2 Episode 1 of the all-access, behind-the-scenes show premieres at 10 a.m. (PT) on Monday Latest News Advertising Club Links Club Links News Latest News News Releases Transactions Game Stories Training Camp Video Highlights News Conferences Mic'd Up All In Film Room Photos Gameday Practice Travel Community Podcasts Chargers Weekly Backstage: Chargers Playmakers The Final Drive Puro Chargers Schedule Future Opponents Event Calendar Uniform Schedule Team Roster Depth Chart Injury Report Transactions Coaches Standings Stats History SoFi Stadium Seating Map & Benefits Ticket Options Parking Know Before You Go TICKETS Account Manager Season Tickets Single Game Tickets Premium Seating & Suites Club Chargers LUX Gameday Suite Rentals Group Tickets Mobile Ticketing FOLLOW US App Newsletter Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Tik Tok Community Impact Fund Programs Requests Youth & High School Football Bolts Community Crew CHARGERS BUSINESS Front Office Careers Business Alliance Partnership Opportunities Pro Shop Hats Jerseys Tailgating Home Decor New Arrivals Kids Apparel Mens Apparel Womens Apparel NFL Clubs NFL Clubs AFC North AFC East AFC South AFC West NFC North NFC East NFC South NFC West More NFL Sites More NFL Sites NFL Football Operations NFL Shop NFL On Location Pro Football Hall of Fame Licensing NFL.com USA Football NFL Extra Points NFL Ticket Exchange Download apps Download Apps © 2021 Chargers Football Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This website is managed on a digital platform of the National Football League. Legal Contact us Website Accessibility Privacy Policy NFL PRIVACY POLICY Site Map Big left arrow icon Big right arrow icon Close icon Copy Url Three dots icon Down arrow icon Email icon Email icon Exit Fullscreen icon External link icon Facebook logo Football icon Facebook logo Instagram logo Snapchat logo YouTube logo TikTok logo Spotify logo LinkedIn logo Grid icon Key icon Left arrow icon Link icon Location icon Mail icon Menu icon Open icon Phone icon Play icon Radio icon Rewind icon Right arrow icon Search icon Select icon Selected icon TV icon Twitter logo Twitter logo Up arrow icon User icon Audio icon Add to calendar iconNFC iconAFC iconNFL iconCarousel IconList ViewWebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebookSnapchatShop IconProfile OverlayAvatarAddAirplayArrow LeftArrow RightArrow UpArrow DownAudioBack 5sBack 10sBack 30sCalendarChartCheckDownLeftRightUpChromecast OffChromecast OnCloseClosed CaptionsBench OffBench OnBroad OffBroad OnVertical OffVertical OnCommentDockDoneDownloadDraftFantasyFilterForward 5sForward 10sForward 30sFull Screen OffFull Screen OnGamepassGamesInsightsKeyLeaveLiveCombineDraftFantasyMenu GamesMenu NetworkMenu NewsMenu PlayoffsMenu Pro BowlMenu ShopMenu StandingsMenu StatsMenu Super BowlMenu TeamsMenu TicketsMenuMore HorizontalMore VerticalMy LocationNetworkNewsPauseplayMultiple PlayersSingle PlayerPlaylistPlayoffsPro BowlPurgeRefreshRemoveSearchSettingsShare AndroidShare Copy URLShare EmailShare FacebookShare InstagramShare iOSShare SnapchatShare TwitterSkip NextSkip PreviousStandingsStarStatsSwapTeamsTicketsVideoVisibility OffVisibility OnVolume HiVolume LowVolume MediumVolume MuteWarningWebsiteCaret downCaret upAtNewsPlayAudioGalleryPromo Chevron right The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Got it!