SAO PAULO — Justin Herbert delivered a masterful performance, guiding the Los Angeles Chargers to a 27-21 season-opening victory over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling Friday night matchup in Sao Paulo. Herbert sealed the win in style, sliding for a first down that effectively ended the game and capping a stellar night with 318 passing yards and three touchdowns.
The victory marks the Chargers’ first win over the Chiefs since September 26, 2021, and snaps a seven-game losing streak against the AFC powerhouse. Herbert’s 19-yard scramble on third-and-14 with 2:21 remaining extinguished any last-ditch comeback hopes for the Chiefs. He also added 32 rushing yards and joined a select group of Chargers quarterbacks to throw for 300-plus yards and three touchdowns in a season opener.
Mahomes, who finished with 258 yards and one touchdown on 24-of-39 passing, acknowledged his team’s slow start. “This will be a big lesson for us,” Mahomes said. “They definitely came out with more energy than we did. We got to get better from the start.”
The Chiefs, already down two receivers with Rashee Rice suspended and rookie Jalen Royals injured, suffered another blow when Xavier Worthy left the game with a right shoulder injury after a collision with teammate Travis Kelce.
Despite the setbacks, the Chiefs fought back, with Mahomes connecting with Kelce for a 37-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 20-18. However, a missed two-point conversion and Herbert’s subsequent 23-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnston ultimately proved to be the difference.
The Chiefs will look to rebound on September 14 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl rematch at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
