Chargers Take Out Frustrations on the Chiefs

The Chargers got the ship righted with a 37-20 bludgeoning of the Kansas City Chiefs on the road. The Chargers needed this win after being a no-show on both sides of the ball in a 27-3 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at home last week. The Chargers were never behind in this game which included a commanding 27-6 halftime lead. The Chargers were outgained in total offensive yards 353 to 293, but this game was another case of statistics not telling the whole story.   

The Chargers started their first possession of the game on their own 24 yard line. Running back JACKIE BATTLE (81 yards total offense and 2 touchdowns) started this game in place of regular starter RYAN MATHEWS (14 carries for 61 yards) who has had trouble with fumbles. Battle proceeded to secure a 14 yard reception to the Chargers 38 yard line. Later this drive would have died on third down, but a pass interference penalty on ERIC BERRY gave the Chargers new life at the Kansas City 47 yard line. A huge 21 yard PHILIP RIVERS (18 of 23 for 209 yards, 2 touchdown passes and 1 interception) pass to MALCOM FLOYD advanced the ball to the Chiefs 28 yard line. Then on the next play, Berry had his second pass interference penalty of the drive on tight end ANTONIO GATES to give San Diego the ball at the Chiefs 15. Battle then came through again for the Chargers as he carried to the Chiefs 3.5 yard line. After a 2 yard tackle for loss by Chiefs linebacker DERRICK JOHNSON and company, Rivers threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to EDDIE ROYAL for an eventual 7-0 lead. 

The Chiefs started their first drive of the game on their own 14. But Chargers free safety ERIC WEDDLE took it upon himself to end this drive with an interception that he returned 21 yards to the Kansas City 28 yard line. The fans booed quarterback MATT CASSEL (24 of 42 for 251 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions) loudly after that Weddle interception. That interception led to a 24 yard NICK NOVAK field goal that gave the Chargers a 10-0 advantage. Regular Chargers kicker NATE KAEDING was inactive for this game due to a groin injury.

Later and armed with a 17-0 lead, the Chargers took over at their own 6 yard line. Running back RONNIE BROWN caught a 26 yard reception down the right sideline to the Charger 32. But this promising drive ended due to an intentional grounding call against Rivers and a third down reception by Brown that was eight yards short of the first down marker. 

The Chiefs first drive of the second quarter ended on a SHAUN PHILLIPS sack/forced fumble, with the fumble being recovered by Kansas City. The Chargers got the ball back on their own 29 yard line. On this drive Berry was victimized again by Gates with the latter advancing his catch to the KC 38 yard line. That play led to a Novak 47 yard field goal and a 20-0 Chargers lead.

Cornerback BRANDON FLOWERS ended a Chargers drive with an interception at his own 15 yard line. On the subsequent drive, a pass interference penalty on QUENTIN JAMMER versus wide receiver DWAYNE BOWE (7 catches for 108 yards and 1 score) keyed the drive. Then Bowe turned around and caught a big pass on the next play to the KC 37 yard line. Charles then took matters into his own hands; as he looked to be tackled for a big loss but cutback and then sped down the left sideline and into the end zone to complete an excellent 37 yard touchdown run. The extra point snap was bad and punter DUSTIN COLQUITT eventually threw the ball into the end zone and into the hands of a Charger defender who downed it instead of returning it. Now it was 20-6.

Two big plays took place for the Chargers later in the second quarter. First, punter MIKE SCIFRES got off a 66 yard punt. Then inside linebacker DONALD BUTLER intercepted a tipped pass and ran unscathed into the end zone from 21 yards out to give the Chargers a commanding 27-6 lead. 

With 8:40 left in the third quarter, the Chiefs got on the board again. Charles scored on a 13 yard touchdown catch to the left pylon of the end zone to cut the Chargers lead to 27-13 after the extra point was made.

A Jammer forced fumble on running back SHAUN DRAUGHN gave the Chargers the ball at the KC 49 yard line. This led to a Battle 4 yard touchdown catch in which he was wide open near the left edge of the end zone. The Chargers led 34-13 with 7:54 left in the game.

Later and with a third down and seven situation, Cassel with all day to throw, let go a deep heave to Bowe who leaped over Chargers cornerback ANTOINE CASON and then ran into the end zone to complete the 29 yard scoring play and to make the score 34-20 after the successful extra point.

The Chargers secured the last points of the game for both teams with a Novak 45 yard field goal that took the game into the two minute warning. On the last drive of the game for both teams, Cassel and company drove deep into scoring territory but time ran out on them.