Herbert throws for 3 TDs as Chargers down Chiefs, 27-21 in Brazil opener

SAO PAULO (KCTV) – The Kansas City Chiefs will head back to the United States still looking for their first win of the 2025 season.

Kansas City started slow and couldn’t overcome an early 10-0 deficit, dropping their Week 1 showdown in Brazil 27-21 to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes finished the night with more than 300 yards of total offense, but the Chiefs defense failed to get critical stops when needed.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert scrambled for a game-sealing 19-yard run with the Chiefs defense facing a 3rd and 14 just before the two-minute warning. Instead of getting the ball back for the Chiefs offense to have one last chance, Herbert ended Kansas City’s hopes and capped a near-perfect night of offense.

“I probably could’ve contained better,” defensive end Chris Jones said. “I could’ve pass-rushed better, I could’ve contained better. I blame myself.”

Herbert finished the night 25-for-34 with 318 yards and 3 touchdowns, two of which went to former first-round pick wide receiver Quentin Johnston.

Mahomes finished the night 24-for-39 for 258 yards and 1 touchdown passing. He also ran for a Chiefs-leading 57 yards and a touchdown. Mahomes’ lone touchdown pass of the night was a 37-yard connection with tight end Travis Kelce, who totaled just 2 catches for 47 yards and the aforementioned touchdown.

“They definitely came out with more energy than we did,” said Mahomes, expressing extra criticism of the Chiefs’ first-half offense. “It wasn’t good enough. We didn’t execute, I missed some throws and it wasn’t good enough in the first half.”

Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy exited the game early with a shoulder injury. He was injured after colliding with Kelce on the Chiefs’ third offensive play of the night.

Up next

The Chiefs will return to Kansas City and take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a Super Bowl 59 rematch on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 3:25 p.m. CT.