There was little pretty about it, but last night’s game between the Chiefs and Chargers is why the NFL is so popular. The late Monday night game, played for much of the contest in a downpour was like jumping in the hot tub time machine with the Chiefs surprising the four time Western Division champs 21-14 holding off a furious last minute rally by Philip Rivers and San Diego.
After falling behind early, the Chiefs swamped the Chargers with big plays, starting with Jamaal Charles 56 yard touchdown run. He now has 5 TD runs of over 40 yards since the start of last season, second only to Chris Johnson. In the second quarter, linebacker Derrick Johnson who had an outstanding game, forced a Ryan Mathews fumble and KC struck with a Matt Cassel to rookie tight end Tony Moeaki TD pass.
Finally, rookie Dexter McCluster electrified the crowd with a Chiefs record 94 yard punt return with less than two minutes to go in the half. It was a scene reminiscent of the mid 90’s Chiefs of Marty Schottenheimer. The newly renovated Arrowhead stadium thundered with a sound not heard in the last decade.
The Chiefs offense behind Matt Cassel did little to support the defense, which looked totally different under Romeo Crenell’s leadership. Cassel threw for just 68 yards in the game. Despite breakdowns, such as leaving Legadu Naanee totally uncovered for a 59 yard third quarter score, the Chiefs defense swarmed to the ball and pressured Rivers much of the night. Former first round pick Glenn Dorsey played his best game as a Chief by far.
The crowd noise frustrated the Chargers and Rivers much of the night as San Diego was called numerous times for delay of game, but San Diego had one last shot when they drove to the KC 4 with 1:12 to go. But the Chiefs defense held, something they’ve failed at every time in recent years.
The 21-14 win puts the Chiefs in an unfamiliar spot. Sitting alone atop the AFC West after week one.
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