The Chargers started their 2010 season in similar fashion to how their 2009 season ended — a sloppy, rainy loss to an opponent they were favored to beat. The Bolts fell 21-14 at Kansas City on Sept. 13 under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. Against the Chiefs, the Chargers were far from sharp and it ended up costing them a victory. San Diego’s comeback attempt fell six yards short of the end zone when Philip Rivers threw an incomplete pass on fourth and goal with 33 seconds left to play. The Chargers took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a Rivers touchdown pass to Antonio Gates. But three plays later, Kansas City tied things up on a 56-yard scoring run by Jamaal Charles. Miscues doomed the Chargers in a second quarter that ushered in a pouring rain. A Ryan Mathews fumble led to a Chiefs touchdown midway through the quarter and Kansas City scored again on a 94-yard punt return by rookie Dexter McCluster to take a 21-7 lead into the break. In the third quarter, Rivers found a wide open Legedu Naanee for a 59-yard touchdown to make it a seven-point contest. The Chargers passing game gained traction in the fourth quarter, but not enough to finish either of their two final drives. Despite outgaining Kansas City by nearly 200 yards, the Chargers left Arrowhead Stadium empty-handed for the first time since 2007. The loss is definitely a setback for a team with lofty expectations this season, and the Chargers will go back to the drawing board looking to get their first win in their home opener against Jacksonville this Sunday. CHARGERS GAME PREVIEW Week 2 Jacksonville at San Diego Sunday, Sept. 19, 1:15 p.m. Qualcomm Stadium TV: CBS (subject to blackout) All-time series: Jacksonville leads 2-1 Last meeting: Jacksonville won 24-17 at Jacksonville Nov. 18, 2007 Key matchup: Chargers offensive line against Jaguars defensive line — The Bolts will be challenged in the trenches by the likes of veteran DT Aaron Kampman and rookie DE Tyson Alualu as they look to create holes for Bolts backs. Players to watch: Chargers special teams — The Bolts struggled covering kickoffs and punts against Kansas City, including surrendering a 94-yard punt return for a score. Fun fact: Former Charger receiver Kassim Osgood caught a touchdown pass for Jacksonville in its season-opening win against the Broncos on Sept. 12. Prediction: Chargers 31, Jacksonville 21 Week 3 Chargers at Seattle Sunday, Sept. 26, 1:15 p.m. Qwest Field TV: CBS All-time series: Seattle leads 25-23 Last meeting: Chargers won 20-17 at Seattle Dec. 24, 2006 Prediction: Chargers 27, Seattle 14
