The Los Angeles Chargers fell just short to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime on Thursday night. Safety Derwin James came into the game questionable with a hamstring injury and aggravated the ailment during the game, forcing him to miss the end of the contest. While Chargers fans know how important James is to the defense, they may not have known just how costly his absence was in the defeat to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

That is eye-opening. With Derwin James on the field for the Chargers, Mahomes was barely able to find tight end Travis Kelce open downfield. With James off the field, it was like open season for Mahomes and the Chiefs on the middle part of the field, generally an area occupied by James.

Not only did Kelce and Mahomes gash the Chargers' defense repeatedly, but they also connected on the game-winning score in overtime.

While there is still the dynamic Tyreek Hill to account for in the Chiefs' offense, Chargers fans have to be wondering what could have been when it comes to James' status and Kelce's incredible finish to the game.

James has been essential to the Chargers defense since entering the NFL. Here's hoping that James can make a quick return to the field for the Chargers, especially if they have to see Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs down the road again.