Chargers Sloppy Play Matches Sloppy Conditions

Week 1 in the NFL concluded with the San Diego Chargers playing in a newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium against the Kansas City Chiefs and it was a wet one.

The Chiefs took advantage of the Chargers mistakes and poor play in the first half to score all the points they needed, leading 21-7. The Chargers, who led time of possession and total yards bumbled about the field to only add another score and come up short - literally, game concludes with the Chargers inside the 10 and unable to convert on a fourth down - and lose 21-14.

The new Charger rookie runningback that has many abuzz helped the Chiefs out more than play against them. After a big run Ryan Matthews fumbled the ball and set up a Chiefs score. On another play while trying to get into position to provide pass protection for Rivers he knocked the ball out of Rivers' hands, almost leading to a turnover. But it wasn't all Matthews fault...

The special teams, for the Chargers, which has usually looked good was awful and even gave up the longest punt return for a touchdown for both franchises respectively. The Chargers still exhibit many of the bad traits I had seen from last year...calling a time out on a crucial long yard play then come back and 2 plays later get a delay of game.

The Charger defense is what the Charger defense has been in the past...able to stop teams for most of the game but there will be one, two...maybe 3 plays where the other team will totally catch the defense off guard...and completely. Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs reeled of a 50 plus yard td run, untouched with Charger players looking laughable in pursuit.

The Charger wide receivers...slipped and fell most of the night. Naanee caught the Chiefs napping and Rivers hit him for a wide open touchdown with 2:23 in the third quarter and that was the end of the scoring. Gates was by far the most impressive Charger offensive weapon last night and I was pleased to see him in good form already.

Rivers, too, looked good. Faced a fair amount of pressure all night, was sacked and besides the Matthews incident, Rivers also misplayed a shotgun snap that almost resulted in a Charger turnover, but overall Rivers did a solid job considering, again, the playing conditions.

There is no doubt that the playing conditions were horrible last night in Arrowhead. Even thought the stadium was literally brand new many Chief fans left at halftime...The Chargers had a great opportunity to win the game last night but just couldn't play consistently good when needed.