The Kansas City Chiefs are leaving the country to start their season, facing the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
While the Chiefs are aiming to reach the Super Bowl for an NFL-record tying fourth straight time and avenge last year’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chargers and head coach Jim Harbaugh are preparing for one of the biggest challenges of their season.
Harbaugh laid out the challenge early this week, telling reporters that the Chargers will have to be on top of their game to take on the team that has won the AFC West for nine straight seasons.
Jim Harbaugh Preparing Team for a Challenge
Harbaugh had eight simple words for reporters on what his team must do against the Chiefs on Friday.
“We’re going to have to play really good,” Harbaugh said, via the team’s official website.
Harbaugh said that it “feels great” to finally start a game week after a long offseason, and he can see his team coming into focus.
“Just that feeling of putting yourself in game mode during practice is so critical,” Harbaugh said. “I know guys have been doing that, but it really narrows the focus when you’re in game week.”
Harbaugh added that he’s excited for the challenge ahead, knowing the Chiefs will come into the game motivated to avenge their Super Bowl loss and start the climb back to the big game.
“We can expect the Chiefs will play good and be two opposing wills meeting each other,” Harbaugh said. “You love it, competition at the highest level right in the opener.
“If you don’t like a challenge, you don’t like to compete … I know our guys love to compete,” Harbaugh added. “They’re ready, willing and able for that challenge.”
Chargers, Chiefs Face Another Challenge
The game itself will present a challenge to both teams as they are forced to travel thousands of miles — more than 6,000 for the Chargers and 5,300 for the Chiefs — while playing in an unfamiliar environment.
Harbaugh said the team’s staff is preparing all of the details for travel and they are looking to two veterans — Mekhi Becton and Rick Lovato — who were on the Eagles team that played in Brazil last season.
“We definitely have a focus on that. When we’re able to touch the grass and see,” Harbaugh said. “Rick Lovato played in that game last year, so he’s spoken on that, as well as Mekhi Becton. We’ll see for ourselves when we get out there.”
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he is anxious to get the season started, saying he and his teammates are ready to bounce back after last year’s Super Bowl loss.
âIâm super excited,â Mahomes said, via SB Nation’s Arrowhead Pride. âYou get to go out there and play the game that you love. Weâve got a lot of guys that are super hungry and want to go out there and put on a show. For us, itâs about going out there with the mentality of having fun playing the game we love â and trying to win football games.â
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