The game plan to go after Rivers more is a gutsy call considering it's a big-play offense and the Chiefs are more of a run the ball, control the clock, play good defense mentality. A couple of big plays and the Chiefs would be in trouble.
Justin Houston's coming out party in the second half was the type of display that had him rated as a first-round caliber player coming out of Georgia last year. His display with the California locals after the game showed us why he dropped to the 3rd round.
He was constantly in Rivers' face and a Tamba Hali/Justin Houston sandwich of Rivers early in the 4th quarter had the All-Pro quarterback limping back to the sideline to get some tape on his ankle. The Chiefs were able to take their first lead of the game in the middle of the 4th quarter as four straight run plays to Jamaal Charles accounted for 58 yards and a touchdown for the Chiefs. The great field position to start that drive was set-up by a Mike Scifres shanked punt thanks to the pressure up the middle from rookie Jalil Brown.
The Chiefs took that 17-13 lead to the two-minute warning with the Chargers holding the ball at mid-field. The Chargers are out of timeouts and the pressure is on.
The first-down pass was knocked down by Allen Bailey at the line of scrimmage. The second down play saw Ryan Matthews do his best Roger Dorn impression, but rather than a "What do you want me to do, dive for it?", the 14-thousand Charger fans left in attendance got to see the "What do you want me to do, get in the crazy Liberians way?" Tamba Hali got the sack and forced fumble while Shaun Smith picked it up and started to run for a touchdown. With a few Chargers not far behind Eric Berry did the smartest thing he could and tackled Shaun Smith. Chiefs run out the clock and win the game.
Close this window and head back to Arrowhead Pride for the 4th and final game of this 1st quarter of the season.