Sports 4 Dorks

The Chiefs took a 10-3 lead on a Damon Huard pass to defensive lineman Jared Allen, lined up as a tight end. Allen beat safety Clinton Hart to the corner but Huard made a pinpoint rainbow pass and Allen made an impressive sliding finger-tip catch for the score.

The Chargers responded on the following drive culminated with a 38-yard strike from Rivers to Vincent Jackson running a deep post between the safeties for a touchdown and a 10-10 tie. The pass play was reminiscent of a year ago when Jackson emerged as a consistent big-play threat that had him on many player-to-watch lists coming into this season. But it was only his 25th catch and third TD of the season.

Meanwhile, Kansas City could be running short on defensive backs. Reserve corner Benny Sapp was injured on kickoff coverage and backup safety Greg Wesley was helped off following the Jackson touchdown. We’ll have to see if either player returns and what impact this might have later in the game.

Other second quarter notes:

Rivers had a big-gainer to lumbering tight end Brandon Manumaleuna. … Michael Turner had a carry, his 38th of the season. … Left tackle Marcus McNeill, a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie last season, is holding his own against Jared Allen, the AFC’s co-sack leader. … Tennessee, next week’s opponent, welcomed the return of run-stuffer Albert Haynesworth and is tied with Houston, 7-7, nearing the half. …. Hart dropped a sure interception with 1:54 left in the half. It was a third-down incompletion that led to a punt. But, Darren Sproles muffed the reception and rookie linebacker Brandon Siler saved the Bolts with a recovery at the 35. …Former Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards read a tight end screen to Antonio Gates and stuffed the play for a loss late in the half. … Rivers ended the half 5 of 14 for 126 yards. … The wind is playing tricks with punts, kicks and longer passes. … Rookie Gilbert Harris saw time in the KC backfield that has already lost Larry Johnson, Michael Bennett and Kolby Smith to injury. Smith started the game but Harris was on the field at the end of the half. … Shawne Merriman had a sack ad now has 7.5 for the season.