Chargers Pull Out Win as Chiefs Self-Destruct

From Derrick Thomas’ antics to James Hasty’s pass interference calls, penalties are killing the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs had the mistake-prone San Diego Chargers all but beaten Sunday, but two big penalties against Hasty set up Charlie Jones’ one-handed grab of Craig Whelihan’s one-yard touchdown pass with nine seconds to play and the Chargers won, 38-37.

Trailing, 37-31, and out of timeouts, the Chargers started the final drive at their 37 with 51 seconds left. Hasty clipped the heels of rookie Mikhael Ricks on a long pass play, moving the ball from the 50 to the 13. After three passes by Whelihan fell incomplete, Hasty committed another penalty on Ricks in the end zone, this one on fourth down.

Whelihan’s touchdown pass was behind Jones, but he reached back with his left hand and pulled in the ball to tie the score at 37-37. John Carney’s extra point made the difference, sending the Chiefs to their sixth consecutive loss, the worst stretch in Coach Marty Schottenheimer’s 10 years with the club.

The loss also dropped the Chiefs (4-7) into sole possession of last place in the AFC West. The Chargers (5-6) have won two in a row since Whelihan was promoted to starting quarterback over struggling rookie Ryan Leaf.

Whelihan completed 19 of 37 passes for 279 yards. The Chiefs’ Rich Gannon completed 20 of 33 for 304 yards.

Bam Morris matched a career high by scoring three touchdowns for the Chiefs. Both teams set season scoring highs.

Last Monday night, the Chiefs embarrassed themselves in a 30-7 loss to the Denver Broncos at Kansas City. Thomas committed three of the Chiefs’ five personal fouls on a fourth-quarter drive and was suspended for Sunday’s game. Wayne Simmons committed another, and was waived.