Actually, KC made it very easy for them turning the ball over 4x which led to easy scores by the Bolts. The Chargers put up another dominating performance against a division rival to win 43-14 and and a lock up a 5-1 record in AFC West games. For the 4th straight year, the Bolts have finished 5-1 in AFC West division contests.
The day started off with an emotional tribute to the 50 greatest all-time Chargers being introduced on the field before the game.
There were 11 players from the 2009 roster including: Philip Rivers, LT, Antonio Gates, Kris Dielman, Nick Hardwick, Jamal Williams, Shawne Merriman, Quentin Jammer, Darren Sproles, Mike Scifres and Kassim Osgood.
Seeing players from early Charger teams get introduced before the game wearing their original team jerseys was awesome. Every player was received with applause and genuine respect for what they’ve done for the franchise. Some of the loudest cheers came for Dan Fouts, Natrone Means, John Hadl, Stan Humphries, Don Coryell, Chuck Muncie, Lance Alworth, John Jefferson, Wes Chandler, Charlie Joiner, Kellen Winslow, Ed White, Leslie O’Neal, Billy Ray Smith and Rolf Benirschke.
The Chargers put together a 20-30 second video clip showing highlights from each player on the jumbotron before each introduction. It was an incredible experience and I’m glad we were able to be there to cheer for the greatest Chargers of the last 50 years.
John Carney, Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison did not attend the ceremony.
Back to KC’s asswomping.
The game started out pretty tight on both sides with the Chargers finally putting up a TD, Rivers to Gates on a 19 yard pass with a little over 4 mins to go in the 1st quarter. KC answered with an 11yd pass to former Charger Chris Chambers to tie the game with 10 mins to go in the 2nd quarter. The Bolts answered quickly with a sick 53 yd catch by Malcom Floyd on the 1 yard line that LT punched in on the next play to make it 14-7 Bolts.
The Chargers scored again on an 8 play drive after a Jamaal Charles fumble by KC on a 15 yard pass from Rivers to Gates making it 21-7. Then 20 seconds later Matt Cassel fumbles the ball which pops right to Paul Oliver who rumbles down field 40 yards for another TD. 28-7 at the half and another KC blowout was was in the works.
Philip Rivers went 21/28 for 317 yards and two TD passes. LT had 13 rushes for 39 yards and two TDs. LT passed Marcus Allen on the NFL all-time rushing leaders and is now sitting in 10th. LT needs 56 yards to pass Jim Brown who is 8th on the all time list. Antonio Gates had 7 catches for 188 yards and two TDs. These three showed why they belong on the list of 50 greatest all time San Diego Chargers.
Nate Kaeding booted a 55 yard FG for his 2nd longest career FG. Last year he had a 57 yarder against TB.
The defense came up big forcing 4 turnovers.
The wife and I are traveling to Cleveland this week to visit her family and attend the Chargers / Browns game this Sunday. Hopefully, we’ll see LT pass Jim Brown on the all-time rushers list on the way to another dominating win.
Filed under: '09 Reg Season
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