Week Three Match-Up: San Diego Chargers

Welcome to another weekly breakdown!  This week we face a division rival in the Chargers.  You can see all the Chargers thoughts on Bolts From The Blue.  The Chargers start out 1-1 having a tough week this past Sunday against the Patriots.

I'm pretty worried because we seem to always have trouble against the Chargers.  We are also down Berry, Charles, and Moeaki.  If Cassel doesn't step it up I'm looking at another blowout on the road.  I'll take a look at the passing, rushing, special teams, coaching, and the x-factor.  I'll try to be unbiased as possible.

Chiefs QB:  Matt Cassel

Chargers QB:  Philip Rivers

There is no doubt who the better QB by miles is here.  The Chargers are ranked 4th in the NFL for passing yards per game.  The Chiefs are ranked 32nd in passing yards per game.  The only real bright spot for the Chiefs in the passing game is Bowe and even then he will most likely be in double coverage.  We aren't sure of the status of Baldwin yet but I'm not sure if it will help.  The Chiefs have Flowers but against the Chargers tall WR's I'm not sure if he will stand a chance.  The Chargers have given up 438 yards through the air in 2 games--most came from Brady.  The Chiefs have given up 523 yards through the air in 2 games.

When The Chiefs Pass:  Chargers

When The Chargers Pass:  Chargers

Chiefs Running Backs:  Jamaal Charles, Thomas Jones, Dexter McCluster

Chargers Running Backs:  Ryan Mathews, Mike Tolbert, Jacob Hester

The Chiefs are without their star player Charles.  Thomas Jones still has stuff in his tank but he isn't the runner he once was.  McCluster with space can be dangerous but he still isn't Charles.  Tolbert is extremely hard to take down for anyone.  Mathews if healthy is a good young running back.  Hester hasn't been used that much this season so far but the Chiefs can't sleep on him.  The Chargers are 22nd in rushing yards per game.  The Chiefs are 7th in rushing yards per game.  The Chargers in 2 games have allowed 253 yards on the ground.  The Chiefs in 2 games have allowed 252 yards on the ground.

When The Chiefs Run:  Tie

When The Chargers Run:  Tie

Chiefs Special Teams:  Ryan Succop, Dustin Colquitt, PR/KR Javier Arenas, Dexter McCluster

Chargers Special Teams:  Nick Novak, Mike Scifres, PR/KR Richard Goodman

Our punters have the same average punting distance thus far with the same amount of balls in the 20.  However, the Chiefs have punted a lot more.  Novak comes in to replace an injured Kaeding.  Succop seems to have a drop off from last year.  Our punt and kickoff returns seem to be close for a push.

Special Teams:  Tie

Chiefs Coaches:  Todd Haley, Bill Muir, Romeo Crennel

Chargers Coaches:  Norv Turner, Clarence Shelmon, Greg Manusky

Norv isn't the best coach in the world but at least his team is prepared.  I'm not sure if Clarence calls in the places or Norv does most of the playcalling.  Manusky is a pretty good defensive coordinator but Romeo takes that match-up.  Until Haley has a good game plan and we execute I'm calling the other teams coaching better.

Coaching:  Chargers

The Chargers are most likely going to take that tough lost against the Patriots out on us.  They are at home and have good confidence.  The Chiefs are on the road for the second straight week with little no momentum.  The Chiefs have had some bad injuries thus far but I'm not sure if they can overcome.  The Chiefs might be playing hard to prove people wrong but in the end will it be enough?

X - Factor:  Chargers

I'll be really shocked if the Chiefs keep the game close this week.  I've seen stranger things happen in the NFL so I won't completely give up home.  The Chargers have one of the best passing games in the NFL.  If We couldn't stop Fitzpatrick or Stafford I doubt we will be able to stop Rivers.

Winner:  Chargers