Bears LB Brian Urlacher Retires

Twitter Reaction

Chargers vs. Chiefs: San Diego's Biggest Winners & Losers from NFL Week 4

By (Featured Columnist) on September 30, 2012

4,044 reads

7Icon_comment

Previous
1 of 8
Next
Hi-res-153115751_crop_650x440
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

LIFE! There's life in San Diego!

After the loss to Atlanta in Week 3, everyone started hitting the panic button. Well, San Diego dominated the AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs, and Chargers, you'll be loved once again—at least for another week.

Defensively, they caused six turnovers, Philip Rivers was efficient, despite one interception, and the run game showed some major signs of improvement. 

Here are the winners and losers for the San Diego Chargers after their 37-20 win at Arrowhead Stadium to improve to 3-1 on the season.

WINNER: Donald Butler

Hi-res-6621820_display_image
Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Donald Butler is quietly evolving into one of the best linebackers in the league. He's leading the Chargers in tackles and is making all the big plays.

The biggest stat of them all is the fact that he's played every defensive snap this season. Versus KC, Butler had four total tackles, an assisted sack and an interception that he took 21 yards for a touchdown.

With the way Butler is playing, he is easily San Diego's most valuable player on defense. Look for him to continue to grow and start getting the recognition he deserves.

LOSER: Robert Meachem

Hi-res-152432995_display_image
Harry How/Getty Images

Robert Meachem had just six receptions for 96 yards heading into the contest, but failed to catch a ball and add to his total once again. He was targeted twice—once on a poorly thrown deep ball, and the other on an interception.

It can be argued that Philip Rivers just isn't getting the ball to him, but Meachem still needs to be more active and create space. As of now, San Diego misses Vincent Jackson more than ever.

WINNER: Jackie Battle

Hi-res-153115747_display_image
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Jackie Battle got the start over Ryan Mathews and made the most of it. Although he didn't have a high yards-per-carry average, he still managed to score two touchdowns.

Battle has a career high three TDs this season, and scored his first receiving touchdown on a four-yard pass from Philip Rivers. 

The 240-pound veteran is becoming a dependable guy in San Diego, and proved it today against his former team.

LOSER: Ryan Mathews

Hi-res-6606524_display_image
Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Because Jackie Battle is a winner, Ryan Mathews is the loser.

Battle's insertion into the starting lineup left everybody confused. We all knew Mathews' carries would decrease, but no one expected Battle to get the start over him.

Maybe Norv and A.J. were making a statement. Mathews barely got involved throughout the game, but when he did, he made the most of it.

Mathews finished with 82 total yards, but because of San Diego's apparent lack of confidence in him, he's a loser for Week 4.

WINNER: Corey Liuget

Hi-res-153115753_display_image
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Was one year too early to call Corey Liuget a bust? One-hundred percent yes.

Last year's first-round pick out of Illinois, Liuget is causing havoc for offensive lines this season and his talent was on full display against the Chiefs. He effectively pressured Matt Cassel for most of the game and forced a fumble deep inside Chiefs territory eventually recovered by Shaun Phillips.

Corey Liuget is giving the Chargers the run-stopper and pass-rusher on the defensive line that they've been missing since, say, Luis Castillo.

LOSER: Nate Kaeding

Hi-res-153115755_display_image
Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Nick Novak filled in for the injured Nate Kaeding, and proceeded to go a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals and converted all his extra points.

Novak is strictly insurance at this point, but if Kaeding continues to struggle with injuries, San Diego may not have much choice but to make Novak their full-time kicker.

Begin Slideshow
Keep Reading
Flag
Props (0)
This article is

What is the duplicate article?

Why is this article offensive?

Where is this article plagiarized from?

Why is this article poorly edited?

Flag This Article
San Diego Chargers San Diego Chargers: Like this team?
Default-user-icon-comment
or to post a comment

7 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment
Big
Loading comments...
just now posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

Follow the San Diego Chargers from B/R on Facebook

Follow the San Diego Chargers from B/R on Facebook and get the latest updates straight to your newsfeed!

Fans of

Icon_subscribe
Icon_youtube
Icon_google
San Diego Chargers

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address

Thanks for signing up.

We're Scouting Top Writers

One 2014 Free Agent the Chargers Need to Lock Up Hint: you can use arrow keys to navigate through this channel.