Nothing Goes Right for Chargers

Getting penalized for delay of game before the game even started should have been a sign that this would not be the San Diego Chargers’ day.

Just minutes into the first quarter, safety Reggie Tongue’s seven-yard touchdown return of Erik Kramer’s fumble set the rugged defensive tone for Kansas City (5-2), which routed the Chargers, 34-0, Sunday in a lopsided showdown for first place in the AFC West.

It was the first regular-season shutout since 1992 for the Chargers (4-3), who fell behind 20-0 after getting just one first down and 28 total yards in a bleak first half.

“We looked like a bunch of goofs out there today,” said quarterback Jim Harbaugh, who replaced the ineffective Kramer in the first quarter after Kramer had lost a fumble and thrown an interception. “To be honest, I guess we’re not very good.”

The Chiefs have won three in a row since losing, 21-14, at San Diego on Oct. 3.

“This is the best the defense has played in the four years I’ve been here,” linebacker Donnie Edwards said.

Kansas City had minus-nine yards and a fumble 7:10 into the first quarter but held a 10-0 lead thanks to Kramer’s fumble and eighth interception in six quarters.

“There are a lot of problems and issues that have to be decided on Monday,” San Diego linebacker Junior Seau said.

The game started on an embarrassing note for the Chargers, as they were assessed a delay-of-game penalty when they failed to get the kickoff away within 25 seconds of the referee’s blowing his whistle. At the end of first half, a blocked punt by the Chargers ended up in the arms of Chief linebacker Greg Manusky, who lumbered 84 yards and came within seven yards of scoring.