Chargers thump Kansas City
— Norv Turner is off the hot seat, at least for 10 days.
Romeo Crennel is perched squarely on it.
Antonio Gates caught a 14-yard yard scoring pass from Philip Rivers on the game’s opening drive to snap a streak of six straight quarters without a touchdown and the San Diego Chargers went on to a 31-13 victory over the staggering Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night.
Turner had been heavily criticized by fans after the Chargers (4-4) blew double-digit, second-half leads in losses to New Orleans and Denver, and then lost 7-6 at Cleveland on Sunday.
Still, at the start of halftime, some fans in one end zone unfurled a big yellow banner that read: “Mr. Spanos, please fire A.J. & Norv.’’
Team president Dean Spanos decided in January to bring back both Turner and general manager A.J. Smith, even though the Chargers missed the playoffs for the second straight year and have only one post-season win in four seasons.
Spanos probably isn’t inclined to fire the embattled Turner in midseason, although a loss to the Chiefs would have been embarrassing.
“We didn’t talk about it specifically, but we want to win for him every week,’’ said Rivers. “You play for a lot of things, but we play for our coach. I think that has been evident over the years when we have struggled.’’
Rivers, who looked shaky during the losing streak, did his part by completing 18 of 20 passes, or 90 per cent, for 220 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. It was the sixth time in NFL history a quarterback had completed 90 per cent or more of his passes, and tied Steve Young for fifth on that list.
Rivers also threw a 13-yard TD pass to Malcom Floyd early in the fourth quarter.
“It was good to play well but more importantly, it was good to win a game. We needed a win in the worst way,’’ said Rivers. “Games like this, wins like this can jump start us.’’
The Chiefs (1-7) committed four more turnovers and lost their fifth straight game. Running back Jamaal Charles left with a neck injury in the fourth quarter.