KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After taking advantage of a few disastrous early turnovers, the San Diego Chargers cruised to a 37-20 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs (1-3, 0-2 home) finished the game with six turnovers, while the Chargers (3-1, 2-0 away) finished with one.
Kansas City’s defense was able to limit the damage for a good chunk of the afternoon by forcing four three-and-outs, and holding San Diego to a field goal on several occasions. However, most of the damage was already done in the game’s opening moments.
To cap San Diego’s game-opening 69-yard touchdown drive, quarterback Phillip Rivers found wide receiver Eddie Royal for a 4-yd TD pass.
It wasn’t long before things started to fall apart for the Chiefs. Their first drive was halted when QB Matt Cassel threw an interception to Chargers safety Eric Weddle at midfield, which resulted in a 24-yd field goal by Nick Novak.
Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles lost a fumble after being hit near the Chiefs 12 yard line on the ensuing possession. Seconds later, former Chiefs RB Jackie Battle gave San Diego a 17-0 lead on a 1-yd TD run.
Down 20-0 early in the second quarter, the Chiefs started to show signs of life. With 5:00 minutes remaining in the first half, Charles broke off a 37-yd TD run to cut the deficit to 20-6.
The party didn’t last long, because Chargers linebacker Donald Butler returned an interception 21 yards for a TD before the half, giving San Diego a 27-6 lead at halftime.
Kansas City opened up the second half with an 80-yd TD drive. A 13-yd TD pass from Cassel to Charles narrowed the gap to 27-13 with 8:40 left in the third quarter.
The Chiefs’ defense held the Chargers to three consecutive three-and-outs, but failed to take advantage of excellent field position. After the Chiefs’ offense put together back-to-back three-and-outs near midfield, Chiefs RB Shaun Draughn fumbled on the 50 yard line with 13:25 left in the fourth quarter.
That fumble resulted in a 49-yd TD drive for San Diego. A 4-yd TD pass from Rivers to Battle gave the Chargers a 34-13 lead.
The Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens next Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium.
