The Chargers had the game won. It was 20-20 with just over a minute left. The Chargers were content milking the clock down to about three seconds and kicking the game winning field goal as time expired. On Halloween night, fate decided to give the Chargers a trick instead of a treat. Phillip Rivers’ job was to center the ball for a field goal, but he couldn’t handle a routine snap from under center, and the Chiefs pulled out of the ensuing pile with the football and a breath of life.
They didn’t waste it.
After holding the Chargers in over time, the Chiefs marched down the field for a chip shot winning field goal that capped off an ugly, yet entertaining, night of football that featured 8 turnovers, 21 penalties, and 7 field goals.
The Chiefs were able to pour it on early, leading the Chargers 13-3 at halftime, but Nick Novak got the game close with a trio of 3rd quarter field goals making the score 12-13 going into the 4th quarter.
Throughout the game, I had the feeling that the Chargers were getting ready to wake up, and go to work against the Chiefs, but that didn’t happen until late in the 4th quarter. Then, they were derailed by one of the flukiest turnovers you’ll ever see. At that point, there was little doubt in my mind. The Chargers weren’t going to beat the Chiefs.
The Good News
Todd Haley’s beard will survive another week. The superstitious coach isn’t likely to shave it as long as the Chiefs keep winning. If they do lose a game, he may shave the beard, and immediately get started on a new one. Who knows? Regardless, I like his new look, and Chiefs fans like it too. As long as he’s winning games, the beard will remain in style in KC.
The Bad News
We all just got a great view of the Chargers’ latest late game choke. This is nothing new to fans of San Diego. Normally, however, we only see this type of performance at the very start and very end of the season. It’s a little disturbing that their play is going down the drain so early in the season. If they can’t clean up their play soon, they won’t have to worry about the playoffs for the second straight season.
Where They’re Going From Here
The AFC West is now deadlocked in a three way tie for first place. The Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs all have a 4-3 record. The Chargers and Chiefs have now split the season series at one game apiece, which means the tie-breaker between those two teams will come down to their divisional record.
| Team | Record | Div. Rec. | Conf. Rec. |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 4-3 | 2-1 | 3-2 |
| San Diego Chargers | 4-3 | 2-1 | 3-3 |
| Oakland Raiders | 4-3 | 1-1 | 4-3 |
The Chiefs host the Dolphins and Broncos in consecutive weeks moving forward, and the Chargers host the Packers and the Raiders in the next two weeks.
