It was over when ...
Chargers TE Antonio Gates had 118 yards receiving and two touchdowns on seven catches.
(Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press)
Nate Kaeding's 55-yard field goal soared through the uprights with ease late in the third quarter to extend the Chargers' lead to 38-14. Not only did the kick put San Diego up by 24 points, it also took the life out of a Kansas City team already struggling with its confidence.
Game ball
Antonio Gates was Philip Rivers' favorite target in the first half and he came through in a big way. He made a sensational one-handed catch on a 19-yard touchdown in the first quarter, and followed that up with a 15-yard score in the second quarter. His early impact set the tone as San Diego cruised to the blowout victory.
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Noteworthy
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson moved into 10th on the all-time rushing list. ... San Diego's Eric Weddle was knocked out of the game with a knee injury and did not return. ... In his first game against his former team, Chiefs WR Chris Chambers had 70 yards receiving and a touchdown. ... Kansas City's Jamaal Charles scored a touchdown for the third consecutive game.