Chiefs Lose Shootout With Chargers, 41-38

John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

If somebody told you before the game that the Chiefs and Chargers would get into a shootout, you’d probably predict a loss, right?

Unfortunately, you would have been right. With Justin Houston and Tamba Hali injured in the first half, the Chargers offense was able to put up 491 yards—387 through the air— and 41 points on their way to a 41-38 win.

This was a game the Chiefs needed, especially with the Denver Broncos coming into town next weekend, but when all was said and done, the Chiefs couldn’t keep up with the Bolts.

It looked like Alex Smith and the offense had shed the stigma that said they can’t score points and win big games, and frankly, that was the truth for the most part.

Smith went 26-of-38 for 294 yards three touchdowns and one interception, and the offense put up 395 total yards and 38 points. Jamaal Charles ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, and he also caught four passes for 42 yards.

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Ironically enough, it was Kansas City’s elite defense that couldn’t stop the Chargers when it mattered the most. With under two minutes left, Philip Rivers led the Chargers on a drive that was capped off by a 26 yard touchdown pass to Seyi Ajirotutu. The extra point put the Chargers up 41-38, and the Chiefs couldn’t drive the field to get the game tying field goal.

With the loss, the Chiefs fall to 9-2 on the season. The Broncos play tonight on Sunday Night Football at New England.