Chargers go back to drawing board after Week 2 loss: Look forward to home game vs. Chiefs

The Chargers (1-1) are coming off a 35 – 21 loss to the Patriots, in which a Phillip Rivers lead offense turned the ball over four times, including a costly turnover on downs at the Patriot’s one yard line and a fumble by Mike Tolbert in the fourth quarter. On the defensive side of the ball, the Chargers were unable to force any turnovers against a machine like Patriots offense that put up over 500 yards. The Chargers secondary had its struggles containing a Patriots air attack that had four of its members compile 60+ yards receiving including a 129 yard game from Deion Branch. The Chargers had many opportunities to come away with the victory but came across some roadblocks that kept them from defeating one of the better teams in the league.

Moving on to week three, the Chargers go from playing one of the best teams in the league, to one of the worst, in the Kansas City Chiefs (0-2). Both the Chargers offense and defense are licking their chops at the chance to face a Chiefs team that has allowed 89 points and scored only 10 points. The Chiefs’ chances at victory were depleted even more when star running back Jamaal Charles was lost for the season with a knee injury. With all of that said, this is still a division game in which anything thing can happen. Look for a motivated Matt Cassel and players like WR Dwayne Bowe, RB Dexter McCluster, and veteran RB Thomas Jones to step up in place of Charles and challenge a Chargers defense that is still trying to find its identity.

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Another thing to keep an eye on is how the Chiefs’ defense plays Antonio Gates. In week two for only the second time in his 9 year career, Gates was held to zero catches, as the Patriots double teamed the pro bowl tight end for the majority of the game. If the Chiefs go with that same tactic, expect WR Vincent Jackson to have another breakout game and build on his week two 10 catch, 172 yard performance. Jackson should also be getting some help this weekend as receivers Patrick Crayton and rookie Vincent Brown come back from injuries. On the flip side Malcolm Floyd, who made some big plays early on in Sunday’s game is looking uncertain to play week 3 after injuring his groin against the Patriots.

On paper the Chargers should blow away the Chiefs but as mentioned before, with division bragging rights on the line you never know how this AFC West matchup is going to play out.

By: Derek White
ProFootball-fans.com San Diego Chargers Correspondent