Memory Lane: Chargers vs. Chiefs

The NFL regular season is finally upon us! Chargers fans have been waiting for what seems like an eternity to see their beloved Bolts suit up and play some meaningful football.

First game up on the slate for the 2016 season is against a familiar foe; The Kansas City Chiefs. San Diego travels to Kansas City this Sunday to square off against a Chiefs team that has become a trendy pick to win the AFC West.

San Diego last traveled to Kansas City in their Week 14 matchup of the 2015 season. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers in a sloppy, defensive game by the score of 10-3. The San Diego offense simply could not get into a rhythm. All game the Kansas City defense harassed Philip Rivers. The San Diego quarterback was under pressure for all four quarters. The Chiefs got to Rivers for five sacks (Dee Ford accounted for three of the five Chiefs’ sacks) and one interception.

And even though the Kansas City defense dominated the Chargers for most of the game, Rivers

Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

was still able to put his team in position to force overtime. Late in the fourth quarter, Rivers converted on fourth down three times to march San Diego deep into Kansas City territory. However, the stingy defense of  Kansas City  proved to be too much, forcing two goal-line incompletions in the final seconds of the game to seal the victory for the Chiefs.

It was the story of the 2015 NFL season for San Diego, with another close loss within the final seconds of the fourth quarter. This was the second time in 2015 that the Chargers were unable to score a touchdown against Kansas City.

Dec 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) is tackled by San Diego Chargers strong safety Jahleel Addae (37) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs have dominated the Chargers over the last two years by going 4-0 in their last four meetings. Prior to Kansas City’s most recent dominance, San Diego was on their own four-game winning streak, where they controlled the series for two years as well.

The Kansas City Chiefs lead the overall series over the San Diego Chargers 56-55-1. San Diego looks to even up the series this Sunday when they travel to Kansas City. That being said, the Chargers are going to have their work cut out for them as they are 10 games under .500 (23-33) at Arrowhead Stadium.