Chiefs’ season hanging by a thread in San Diego

By Clayton Wendler  |   Friday, December 15, 2006  |  Comments( 1 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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When the Kansas City Chiefs pass: Trent Green was sacked five times in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It won't get any easier this week against a San Diego defense that leads the league in sacks. In the first meeting between these two teams, the Chargers sacked Damon Huard four times in just 27 dropbacks. That was with Shaun Phillips, the Chargers' second-leading sacker, missing most of the game. He'll play this weekend and so will D-lineman Igor Olshanksky, who also missed the first contest.

Likely the Chiefs will be at a disadvantage once again. Herm Edwards said his offense would "open it up" this weekend. That probably means a lot of pressure will be placed on offensive tackles Jordan Black (who handled Shawne Merriman quite well in the first meeting) and John Welbourn, who will probably start in place of the injured Kyle Turley. The only caveat for KC's passing offense is that Tony Gonzalez did shred the Chargers in the first meeting, and they should be in better hands with Green throwing the football.


Edge: Chargers


When the San Diego Chargers pass: Philip Rivers has busted out of a two-game mini slump after a spectacular effort against the Broncos last week. He'll provide a big test to a KC secondary that has been scorched in recent weeks. The Chiefs allowed over 280 yards passing to both the Browns and Ravens.

The Chiefs pass rush hasn't given the secondary much help recently, either. Jared Allen and Tamba Hali haven't sacked a quarterback in two weeks and haven't received much help from the defensive tackles. Fortunately for the Chiefs, they shouldn't be at too much of a disadvantage in the matchups. They shut out Antonio Gates by putting rookie safety Jarrad Page on him in the second half of the first meeting. It's difficult to see life getting any easier for KC's pass 'D' this week.


Edge: Chargers


When the Kansas City Chiefs run: San Diego's run defense is one of the NFL's best - until it runs into Larry Johnson. The fourth-year back has totaled over 130 yards rushing in each of his last two games against the Chargers. They simply haven't been able to handle him.

Unlike the first meeting between San Diego and Kansas City, the Chiefs' ground game is coming into this contest hitting its stride. The Chargers gave up 162 yards rushing to the Broncos last week, so look for the Chiefs to lean on Johnson (as usual) early and often.


Edge: Chiefs


When the San Diego Chargers run: The Chiefs did an outstanding job of bottling up LaDainian Tomlinson in the first meeting. That task will prove to be even tougher this week considering LT's recent stretch of success. He has seven straight 100-yard games and has scored at least two touchdowns in each.

As if that wasn't scary enough, Tomlinson will be up for this game. He was upset this week in interviews because Chiefs defensive end Tamba Hali referred to the Chargers as a "finesse" team earlier this year. Kansas City is likely replacing outside linebacker Kendrell Bell in the lineup with Keyaron Fox. Whether his speed and athletic ability helps is anyone's guess.


Edge: Even


Special teams: The kickers are pretty much even in this game, but San Diego has the superior return men. Dante Hall has been awful for the Chiefs in recent weeks. Michael Turner has been solid on kickoffs all year and Antonio Cromartie has really come on.


Edge: Chargers


Intangibles: How will the Chiefs respond to the death of founder Lamar Hunt? It will either take away their focus or give them the extra edge they need. The Chargers have their own bulletin board material after Hali's comments. Rain looks likely for this game with a 60 percent chance of precipitation. A soaked field would favor the Chiefs.


Edge: Even


Prediction:The Chiefs will be inspired in the wake of Hunt's passing, but it won't be enough against a superior opponent. San Diego will send Kansas City to its third straight defeat.

Chargers 30, Chiefs 21
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