Chiefs Offense Won the Critical Moments vs. Chargers

We’re not the first to say it, and we certainly won’t be the last to say it, but the NFL comes down to situational football. Championship-caliber teams often win those key situations (3rd down, red zone, 2-minute, etc.), and Sunday night’s thriller between the Chiefs and Chargers was no exception.

Kansas City escaped L.A. with the win on the strength of some key 3rd-down conversions in the second half and a way-too-easy 2-minute drill at the end of the game.

A Key Drive in the Third Quarter

This play with 3 minutes and 57 seconds left in the third quarter was one of the critical moments of the game. The Chargers led 20-16 and had the Chiefs facing a 3rd-and-17 while pinned deep in their own territory. Make a stop here, and the Chargers offense could get the ball back with good field position and the chance to take a two-possession lead.

The Chiefs aligned in a 3x1 formation, had the #2 inside receiver (Skyy Moore) running an over/clear-out route, and the #1 receiver (Justin Watson) running a deep in:

The clear-out route carried cornerback Bryce Callahan (who had locked onto Moore) and occupied safety Derwin James, who was ready to rob any routes over the middle: