Chiefs too much for Chargers

by Don Coryell, Jr.

Blogger, San Diego Union-Tribune

The Chargers came into week 1 of the 2016 season with hope and confidence. They left limping from Kansas City after the Chiefs thumped them 30-17.

The scoring began with Kansas City took the opening kickoff right down the field, stalling and ending with a Cairo Santos field goal to begin the scoring at 3-0.

Philip Rivers and the Chargers' offense laid a complete egg on their first series, going 3 and out against a smothering Kansas City defense that never got answered all game. A punt gave the Chiefs the ball back, and they would again use their outside run game to their advantage, getting the edge with speedy Jamaal Charles and De'Anthony Thomas to get a touchdown out of Jamaal Charles on a bullish run inside.

Down 10-0, the Chargers finally got some life out of their special teams, as rookie Damiere Ewing used his speed to break a long return, carrying it from the end zone to the 23 yard line of the Chiefs. Five plays later, Rivers found Allen in the end zone to cut the deficit to 10-7.

A rare stop by the Chargers' defense got the ball back to San Diego, and Rivers used the two minute offense to almost perfection in by far his best drive of the game, getting the Chargers into field goal range and tied the game up.

The Chiefs used two consecutive pass interference penalties to get into field goal range themselves with :03 left to get the lead at 13-10 going into the half.

The Chargers never got much of a running game going all game long, but on the opening drive of the second half they managed to get downfield close enough for Branden Oliver to earn his first rushing touchdown of the season on a 17-yard scamper and get the Chargers a 17-13 lead.

The Chiefs would dominate from there, gashing the Chargers' defense over and over again on outside runs and attacking the interior seam of the defense. A field goal by Cairo Santos narrowed the Chargers' lead to 17-16, and a touchdown by De'Anthony Thomas on an outside stretch play would take the lead for good at 23-16.

Rivers had a chance to win the game late, but a terrible decision throwing into coverage gave the Chiefs their final touchdown, as Ron Parker would take it to the house for a pick 6 and a 30-17 final.

Philip Rivers finished 9 of 20 for 101 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He was off target all game, missing throws he normally makes. Branden Oliver led the Chargers' run attack with 5 attempt for 31 yards. Melvin Gordon has 10 carries for 11 yards and was in check all game long with no holes to run through. Wide receiver Keenan Allen led all receivers for San Diego with 4 catches for 38 yards and the lone touchdown.

Geno Smith finished 14 of 17 for 237 yards. He carved the interior of the field apart with his leading reciever, tight end Travis Kelce, who caught 4 passes for 63 yards. Running back Jamaal Charles owned the outside of the field, running 17 times for 117 yards and a touchdown. De'Anthony Thomas got 34 yards on 6 carries and another touchdown.

"Was not happy at all with anyone's performance," Coach Winuvas said after the game. "Offensive line is better than that. Philip (Rivers) is better than that. Defense I hoped would be better than that. Just disappointing all around."

San Diego will at least have home cooking this week, as they entertain another division foe in the Oakland Raiders. Will Rivers and the offense shake off this week and get back into a groove? Or will the Raiders put the Chargers at 0-2?