The San Diego Chargers marched down the field on the opening drive of the game on a seven play, 80 yard drive that finished with a 14 yard pass from Philip Rivers to tight end Antonio Gates. Rivers was a perfect 4 for 4 on the drive, throwing for 70 yards on the way to pay dirt, including a 28 yard completion to Seyi Ajirotutu who was signed by the Chargers on Tuesday.
The Kansas City Chiefs responded with a dramatic drive of their own. Quarterback Matt Cassel threw for three straight long third down conversions but facing third and 15 from the Chargers 33-yard line, Cassel completed a screen pass to Dwayne Bowe which Bowe fumbled away to San Diego at the 22 yard line.
Cassel finished the quarter going 5 for 9 with 54 yards of passing. San Diego's rushing defense held three Kansas City running backs (Jamaal Charles, Peyton Hillis and Dexter McCluster to six yards of rushing on six carries.