Chargers Chop Chiefs October 26, 2009

Vincent Jackson torched the Chiefs for 142 yards and a score in the first half. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Let me start by saying that I absolutely love those white 60’s throwback jerseys the Chargers wore in their 37-7 trouncing of the Chiefs.  They are and have been my favorite uniforms from any sport ever, and I wish the Spanos family would bring them back permanently.  The Chargers really looked sharp on Sunday, and thankfully they played sharp as well.

While the Chiefs may not be the stoutest test of a team’s mettle, beating them most certainly put me at ease.  Seeing as how the Chargers had struggled on the road against the Raiders in week one, the “any given Sunday” phrase danced around in my mind all last week – until Philip Rivers called out mid play where he was going to throw a touchdown, then proceeded to do so.  And to whom?  None other than budding superstar Vincent Jackson, who is one of the top receiving threats in the NFL today.  The man not only reeled in two 51 yard bombs, but also ad libbed with Rivers on their touchdown hook-up.  Very impressive VJ!

Darren Sproles and Malcolm Floyd both got to enjoy touchdown receptions of their own, with Sproles showing off some amazing quickness.  Floyd found himself wide open after Tomlinson couldn’t cross into the endzone, and made it look easy.  The final touchdown in the game was a huge special teams play by Jacob Hester, who is turning into a demon in that role.  If the Chargers continue to find ways to score with multiple personnel like this, they will be an incredibly formidable foe this year.

Not only did our offense look good, but our defense had a field day with Matt Cassel, the former backup to Tom Brady.  Chargers defenders came from all directions on nickel and dime blitzes, which helped get the pressure needed to force three poorly thrown interceptions.  It was also the first time I can remember in a long while that we sacked the opposing quarterback four times.  Ron Rivera, please keep it up!

Next week: Oakland.  The Raiders are coming off the losing side of a 38-0 shellacking at the hands of the Jets, in which they were pounded for over 300 rushing yards.  Do you think anyone out there is playing with the idea of putting Ladainian Tomlinson back in their starting fantasy lineup?  I know I am and I have Ronnie Brown, Ray Rice and DeAngelo Williams on my roster.  I have to wonder if we will see the Raiders that played for broke in week one, or the Raiders that were humiliated this past Sunday.  While this match up may have an almost pre-determined look to it, just remember that overlooking any team in the NFL (that isn’t the Detroit Lions) can be dangerous.