The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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November 1, 2012

Bolts beat staggering Chiefs 31-13

Associated Press

SAN DIEGO — 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.

The Chiefs, who lost their fifth straight, committed four more turnovers to run their NFL-high mark to a staggering 29, which have led to 104 points..

Snapping a three-game losing streak might take some heat off coach Norv Turner, who’s 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.

Gates’ first-quarter score was San Diego’s first touchdown since the star tight end caught an 11-yard pass in the first half against Denver on Oct. 15. That score gave San Diego a 24-0 lead, but Peyton Manning rallied the Broncos to a 35-24 win.

The Chargers got only two field goals from Nick Novak in a 7-6 loss at Cleveland on Sunday, their third straight defeat.

After San Diego scored on the opening drive, Kansas City went on a 17-play drive, converting four third downs, but Dwayne Bowe fumbled after a 10-yard reception. It was Kansas City’s NFL-high 26th turnover this season. Demorrio Williams caused the fumble and Quentin Jammer recovered.

The Chiefs had six turnovers in a 37-20 home loss to the Chargers on Sept. 30.

Bowe’s fumble set up Novak’s 25-yard field goal with 9:10 left in the second quarter.

The Chiefs’ 26 turnovers — 13 fumbles and 13 interceptions — have led to 90 points for opponents.

The heat will surely intensify on coach Romeo Crennel of the Chiefs (1-7).

 

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