No let down in San Diego

With their big win against Denver a week ago, there was a chance for a let down game against the Chiefs for the Chargers on Sunday. And early it looked like things might be headed in that direction. Well, at least for the first quarter it did. Kansas City kept it close for little while and then the Chargers put it into overdrive and routed the Chiefs 43-14 to win their sixth game in a row. It was an important victory, for San Diego was able to stay a game ahead of second place Denver atop the AFC West.

By looking at the final score it’s hard to believe that a contest that ended so badly for one team was actually close at one point. The Chargers struck first on a touchdown pass from Phillip Rivers to Antonio Gates, but the Chiefs answered with the tying score early in the second quarter when Matt Cassel found former Charger Chris Chambers in the end zone for six. The Chiefs had come to play, but by half time the game had turned pretty much into a blowout.

The Chargers offense scored touchdowns on each of their next two possessions, a rushing score for LaDainian Tomlinson and a second TD pass for Rivers, once again to Gates. Then the San Diego defense delivered a devastating blow. After a long kick return by Jamaal Charles that placed the Chiefs at the San Diego 49 yard line, Matt Cassel dropped back for a pass attempt. Cassel got sacked and fumbled the football, which was recovered by Paul Oliver and returned 40 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers had opened up a 28-7 lead, and the rout was on.

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In the second half the Chiefs fumbling ways continued. Another turnover set up another Tomlinson touchdown to make it 35-7. The Chargers would eventually tack on three more points with a field goal, and then to add insult to injury, Cassel was flagged for intentional grounding from his own end zone, resulting in a safety. The game, like the Chiefs this season, had become a laughing stock. San Diego cruised through extensive “garbage time” and finished up with a 43-14 victory.

It was a day of some big numbers for the Chargers as Phillip Rivers threw for over 300 yards with a pair of TDs. LT scored twice on limited playing time, and Antonio Gates gathered 118 yards with two touchdowns receiving. For the second time this year the Chargers blew out the Chiefs. The winning streak that began with a game against Kansas City continued with a game against Kansas City. Everything has seemingly fallen into place for the Chargers, and right now they may very well be the hottest team in the NFL.

By Steven Mondelli
ProFootball-fans.com San Diego Chargers Correspondent