NFL

Chargers 27, Chiefs 21

This game had numerous storylines, but Justin Herbert stole the show. In a contest that involved Patrick Mahomes, that’s a big deal. Herbert, at least from a public-image perspective, needed a performance like this one to garner acclaim.

To the bewilderment of some, the Chargers were a run-first offense last season. With the same coaching staff returning and a first-round pick invested in Omarion Hampton, much of the same was expected this year. However, Los Angeles prioritized the pass in this win, throwing the ball 34 times versus running it on 25 plays. That’s not a drastic split, but it was a meaningful shift for the Chargers.

Taking advantage of having one of the better signal-callers in the league is a no-brainer, as Herbert is more than capable of quarterbacking a pass-heavy attack. In fact, that approach was necessary last night, as the team’s running game was thwarted by an aggressive Kansas City front. Hampton and Najee Harris combined for just 53 rushing yards. Playing without Rashawn Slater inarguably made running the ball more difficult.

Thus, Los Angeles turned to the air. As a result, Herbert might’ve posted his best game as a pro, finishing 25-of-34 for 318 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 32 yards on the ground, including a game-clinching first-down dash. Joe Alt’s blindside protection aided Herbert’s dominant outing.

Last season, the Chargers’ offense struggled on occasion due to a lack of weapons. Ladd McConkey is still Los Angeles’ only premier target, but Quentin Johnston had an exciting game and the reliable Keenan Allen is back with the organization. With Herbert slinging the ball, every bit of help is paramount.

McConkey recorded six receptions for 74 yards. Johnston tallied two touchdowns on five grabs.

Los Angeles’ defense didn’t exactly generate a ton of big plays in this victory, but holding the Chiefs to 21 points is a win in and of itself. Daiyan Henley is a big-time talent at linebacker, and totaled eight tackles and one sack last night.

It’s rare to say that Patrick Mahomes was outdueled, but that was precisely the case yesterday. Mahomes fared fine in this defeat, going 24-of-39 for 258 yards and a score, but he was hampered by a lack of firepower around him.

Rashee Rice’s suspension was always going to limit the team, but at least that was a known hinderance. Xavier Worthy getting injured on the game’s first drive, however, was not. If Worthy misses significant time, Kansas City’s offense could be in trouble. Hollywood Brown stepped up in Worthy’s absence, finishing with 10 catches for 99 yards, but it wasn’t enough.

The Chiefs’ somewhat remade offensive line generated real optimism over the summer, but it looked just as bad as it did at the conclusion of last year. The tackles, including the much hyped Josh Simmons, played poorly. The guards weren’t great, either. Finally, the talented Creed Humphrey had one of his worst games, which included an off-target low snap. Mahomes can cover for poor protection, but it limits his greatness.

Despite Herbert’s excellence, I thought Kansas City’s defensive performance was fine. Nick Bolton was stout against the run, recording eight tackles, while George Karlaftis got after Herbert and garnered a sack.

The Chiefs face a critical Week 2 test against the Eagles. That game is not a must-win, but the vibes in Kansas City will be dim if the Chiefs lose again.

Buccaneers sign CB Zyon McCollum to three-year, $48 million contract extension

Last season was a huge one for McCollum. After two so-so years to begin his career, the 2022 fifth-round pick leveled up into one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. Now, he’ll be compensated accordingly from a Buccaneers franchise that takes care of its own.

McCollum’s breakout was mainly due to his ball skills. He intercepted two passes and defended another 15 last season, thanks in part to his terrific length as a 6-foot-2 cornerback. At 26, there’s room for even more progression from McCollum.

In addition to his plays on passes in the air, McCollum posted 82 tackles in 2024.

Grade: B

Bengals sign C Ted Karras to one-year, $5 million contract extension

The Bengals have poured resources into improving their protection unit, so it only makes sense to retain Karras. At 32, the center wasn’t a candidate for a long-term deal, but a one-year extension will keep the solid blocker around through 2026.

Karras is much closer to average than great, but for Cincinnati, that’s more than acceptable. He’s slightly better as a pass blocker than run blocker, and it’s unlikely that changes at this point in his career.

In the end, the Bengals are locking up a decent starter at a fair rate.

Grade: B-

Eagles sign EDGE Za’Darius Smith to one-year, $4.25 million contract

This package contains up to $4 million in incentives.

Smith, fresh off a nine-sack season, clearly was selective in choosing a new team. The Eagles are a good fit, as Philadelphia boasts championship aspirations and available playing time. Nearly 33, Smith won’t play every down, but he’s still impactful as an edge rusher.

The veteran joins a deep group off the edge with the Eagles. Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche are all young with potential, but the team’s newest addition can provide a steady hand to that unit.

Grade: B

Packers sign P Daniel Whelan to two-year, $6.2 million contract extension

Whelan, over his first two seasons, has proven to be one of the better punters in the NFL. Therefore, rewarding him with top-10 pay at the position is sensible.

Whelan averaged 46.1 yards per punt last year.

Grade: B

NCAAF

Louisville 28, James Madison 14

The first quarter of this game was a nice appetizer to Chargers-Chiefs. It also was a separate dynamic from the rest of the contest, as Louisville took over following the game’s first 15 minutes. That’s to be expected for an ACC program against a Sun Belt program, but it nonetheless put a likely end to James Madison’s CFP hopes.

Miller Moss was rather underwhelming yesterday, going 13-of-23 for 151 yards and a touchdown. He received ample help from Chris Bell, which isn’t surprising since the senior wideout is an NFL prospect. Bell caught four balls for 83 yards and a score.

It’s apparent that Coastal Carolina transfer Clev Lubin will play a big role on the Cardinals’ defense this season. After posting 9.5 sacks last year, Lubin already has 3.5 with Louisville. Replacing Ashton Gillotte was never going to be easy, but the junior is giving it a try.

A quarterback led James Madison in both passing (obviously) and rushing last night. The oddity of that is that two different signal-callers posted the statistical highs, with Alonza Barnett leading the Dukes in passing yards and Matthew Sluka topping the rushing chart. That’s a rare feat, and one that certainly won’t continue. Bob Chesney needs to decide on one quarterback and stick with him.

We’ll see who’s under center against Liberty in two weeks.