Chiefs Pick Apart Chargers On Tomlinson's Jersey Retirement Day
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alex Smith won another game at Qualcomm Stadium, this time with an assist from some beefy defenders.
Justin Houston intercepted Philip Rivers and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown and 346-pound defensive tackle Dontari Poe leaped over the pile for a 1-yard touchdown and the Kansas City Chiefs embarrassed the free-falling San Diego Chargers 33-3 Sunday.
The Chiefs (5-5) won their fourth straight game following a five-game losing streak.
The Chargers (2-8) lost their sixth straight.
Rivers had his worst game of the season, going 19 of 30 for just 178 yards. Rivers attempted a pass to Danny Woodhead from the Chargers 23 and Houston intercepted it and ran it in for a 19-3 lead with 3:27 left in the third quarter.
Houston had four of Kansas City's seven sacks of Rivers in the 2014 season finale in which the Chargers were eliminated from the playoff race.
Smith, who led Helix High to consecutive city championships at Qualcomm Stadium, completed 20 of 25 passes for 253 yards. He also ran seven times for 33 yards.
There's a chance this was Smith's last appearance at Qualcomm Stadium. Chargers chairman Dean Spanos has infuriated fans with his intention to move the team to an industrial suburb of Los Angeles, which would require approval of fellow owners.
Smith broke Steve DeBerg's team record of 233 consecutive passes without an interception. Smith threw his 234th straight pass without a pick on a 47-yard completion to running back Charcandrick West. Smith extended his record to 253.
The Chiefs turned to Poe to cap their second drive. The 6-foot-3 defender leaped over the pile to score for a 6-0 lead. The PAT failed. His run came one play after Charcandrick West was stuffed.
Cairo Santos kicked field goals of 28 and 24 yards, and Spencer Ware had two 3-yard TD runs in the fourth quarter.
The Chargers pretty much melted down.
Besides Rivers' fourth pick-6 of the season, tight end Antonio Gates was seen jawing at the quarterback on the sideline in the first half.
San Diego's only score was a 52-yard field goal by rookie Josh Lambo.
At halftime, the Chargers inducted running back LaDainian Tomlinson into their Hall of Fame and retired his No. 21.
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