Here are four things that stood out in Chiefs' loss to Chargers

Chiefs officially eliminated from postseason consideration

The Chiefs faced elimination in Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers and failed to rise to the occasion.

Now, the postseason is just a dream.

The Chiefs were eliminated from the playoffs Sunday afternoon after a 16-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Earlier wins by the Buffalo Bills (10-4), Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) and Houston Texans (9-5) sealed the Chiefs’ fate.

Sunday’s loss dropped the Chiefs to 6-8 on the season, with three games to go.

The way the Chiefs went down Sunday essentially mirrored their entire season, as the mistakes of past games continued to show up at inopportune times.

There were nine total penalties, two interceptions with the Chiefs in field goal range, and an inefficient offense, which managed just 239 yards.

To make matters worse, quarterback Patrick Mahomes left the game with a knee injury with the Chiefs attempting to get in field-goal range with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

The Chiefs are in a tailspin with five losses over the last six games and will miss the postseason for the first time since 2014.

Here are four things that stood out:

TURNOVERS IN RED ZONE

The Chiefs had their chances to tie the game on two occasions in the fourth quarter.

Mahomes, however, saw his pass down the right sideline to running back Kareem Hunt picked off by Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley at the 1-yard line.

The Chiefs defense got the ball back for Mahomes with a little more than five minutes remaining in regulation, and Mahomes proceeded to march the offense down the field.

Kansas City got to the Chargers’ 46-yard line, and then it happened with less than two minutes to go.

Mahomes was tackled awkwardly near the Chiefs’ sideline as his pass fell incomplete. Trainers rushed to his side before helping him to the medical tent. Mahomes then emerged from the tent with a towel over his head, his arms around two staff members as he was taken to the locker room.

This meant any hope for the Chiefs fell on backup quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Minshew completed his first three passes to get the Chiefs to the Chargers’ 34-yard line, well within kicker Harrison Butker’s range for a potential game-tying kick.

But a delay of game infraction moved the Chiefs back 5 yards, and Minshew threw an interception on the very next play with less than 20 seconds remaining in the game.

Mahomes finished the game completing 16-of-28 passes for 189 yards with an interception for a 62.9 passer rating.

ZERO RUN GAME

Sunday’s matchup appeared to favor the Chiefs, as the Chargers entered the game ranked 14^th against the run, allowing 109 yards per game.

Unfortunately, the Chiefs didn’t take advantage of it and got nothing outside of Mahomes’ 12-yard touchdown run.

Isiah Pacheco led the team with 11 carries for 21 yards, averaging a paltry 1.9 yards per attempt.

Kareem Hunt totaled 12 yards on six carries, averaging 2 yards per attempt, while rookie Brashard Smith managed a single yard on two carries.

Mahomes chipped in with two carries for 15 yards, which included his scoring run.

As a team, the Chiefs totaled 21 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown, averaging 2.3 yards per attempt.

The Chiefs must make the running back position a priority during the offseason by adding an explosive and versatile player capable of putting fear in opposing defenses.

Such a player does not currently exist on the current roster.

NO RYTHYM

The Chiefs appeared to set the tone on their first possession of the game with an impressive 11-play, 53-yard drive, which Mahomes capped off with his 12-yard touchdown run.

Then, the wheels came off.

The Chiefs endured consecutive three-and-out possession, which netted a combined 3 yards, before getting two Butker field goals to take an early 13-3 lead.

Kansas City’s four possessions in the second half resulted in two more three-and-outs, and then closed it out with consecutive interceptions.

The Chargers had something to do with making the Chiefs’ offense look uncomfortable.

Los Angeles recorded five sacks and nine quarterback hits as Mahomes played behind a patchwork offensive line.

IN-AND-OUT

And we’re not talking about the famous burger chain restaurant.

The Chiefs saw multiple players leave the game at some point of the game, a list that included linebacker Nick Bolton, right tackle Jaylon Moore (knee), wide receiver Xavier Worthy (cleared concussion protocol), defensive tackle Chris Jones, cornerback Jaylen Watson and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (concussion protocol).

And, of course, Mahomes.

Of the group, Mahomes, Moore and Thornton were unable to finish the game.

The Chiefs were already down key contributors before kickoff, as cornerback Trent McDuffie (knee), wide receiver Hollywood Brown (personal), right guard Trey Smith (ankle) and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (triceps) were inactive.

But having players going in and out of the lineup during a critical game wasn’t ideal.