third quarter report
A 31-yard burst for a touchdown by Tomlinson gave the Chargers a 17-10 lead. It was Tomlinson's 110th career rushing TD, tying Walter Payton for third all-time behind Marcus Allen and Emmitt Smith.
The Chiefs threatened to respond on a drive fueled by a fourth-down conversion but stalled when a second fourth-down attempt was stopped as Marlon McCree's hit on receiver Eddie Kennison helped force an incompletion. The gusting wind is forcing coaches to alter their approach on certain passes and field goal attempts.
The Chiefs lost linebacker Donnie Edwards to a hamstring injury. Edwards came into the game as the Chiefs leading tackler.
Michael Turner replaced Tomlinson on a third-and-short situation but was up-ended on his carry and the Chargers were forced to punt nearing the end of the quarter. It was not only a drive-stopper but a momentum-changing tackle by strong safety Bernard Pollard, especially if the Chiefs can convert the change of possession into points. Either way, Kansas City as spent most of the quarter on offense and that could pay huge dividends by the end of the game.
KC quarterback Damon Huard is zeroing in on tight end Tony Gonzalez, who has 7 catches for 99 yards with still almost three minutes left in the quarter.
The Chiefs, running out of running backs, came out in a spread formation forcing a Chargers time out.