Los Angeles Chargers: Five questions entering Chargers vs. Chiefs

4. How will Patrick Mahomes respond to a smothering Los Angeles Chargers defense?

Patrick Mahomes is making his second ever career start at quarterback after sitting behind Alex Smith last season. Mahomes did see valuable playing time in week 17 against the Denver Broncos last season and actually put together a decent showing. That showing, mixed with the Chiefs’ infatuation with Mahomes and his rocket arm, led to him winning the starting job.

Smith now finds himself on the Washinton Redskins and the Chiefs are hoping that a second-year quarterback with limited NFL experience can lead a talented offense to the playoffs once again.

Unluckily for Mahomes, he has one of the worst possible matchups to start this season off against in the Los Angeles Chargers. While the Chargers’ defense is not perfect, it excels in putting pressure on the quarterback and not allowing passing lanes.

Mahomes loves to bomb the ball deep and won’t be able to do that often with the Chargers’ great secondary. He is going to get pressured early from the Chargers’ defensive line, which is going to test his three-step drop as well as his decision making and ability to find tight passing lanes.

Because of this, the Chiefs may not rely heavily on Mahomes and may ease him into a bigger role as the weeks’ progress. This creates an entirely new question surrounding this game.

*Editor’s note: Joey Bosa is questionable for Sunday’s game.