Kansas City Chiefs Defeat San Diego Chargers: Review of Chiefs Performance

The Kansas City Chiefs started off their season on a high note Monday night as they defeated the San Diego Chargers in front of a capacity crowd at Arrowhead Stadium.

For Chiefs fans, there was much to be excited about after the team's win, but there was some disappointment as well.

I decided to take a look at my observations of how the Chiefs played in this feature.

Dwayne Bowe did not impress

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KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 20: Eric Wright #24 of the Cleveland Browns breaks up a pass play to Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game on December 20, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Browns defeated the Ch

Chiefs #1 wide-out Dwayne Bowe did not have one of his best games against San Diego in Week one of the 2010 NFL season.

Bowe was responsible for one noticeable drop, while being thrown at multiple times and was only able to make one catch on the night.

Dwayne looked good in the preseason, but he needs to prove he belongs as a #1 receiver in this league and he needs to do it right now.

Derrick Johnson played like a starting linebacker in this league

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KANSAS CITY, MO - 2009: Derrick Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by NFL Photos)

DJ was flying all over the field on Monday, providing the Chiefs defense with many solid plays along the way.

He completed his night with an amazing 12 tackles and a forced fumble.

Johnson played liked a man who isn't about to lose his starting job, and the Chiefs hope that this will continue into the future.

Eric Berry made some rookie mistakes

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NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Eric Berry (R) from the Tennessee Volunteers poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as they hold a Kansas City Chiefs jersey after Chiefs selected Berry number 5 overall in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music

When the Chiefs drafted rookie safety Eric Berry with the #5 overall pick in this year's draft, they knew there were getting a very good player.

However, they also knew there would be some growing pains before he gets there, and these were obvious on Monday as Berry was beat on one touchdown and was a part of a group of defenders who was beat on another.

Don't expect this to be a common occurrence for Berry, as he is still getting used to the speed of the NFL game.

Tony Moeaki played very well in his debut

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Tight end Tony Moeaki of Iowa runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

Rookie tight end Tony Moeaki was the most consistent target for Matt Cassel in the Chiefs opening week game against the Chargers.

The former Iowa Hawkeye looked great blocking and receiving as he caught three passes for 21 yards, including the first touchdown of his pro career.

If Tony can continue to stay healthy, the Chiefs could possibly have their future TE already on their roster.

Special teams were lights out

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Javier Arenas #30 of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

With the play of Javier Arenas and Dexter McCluster on both punt and kick returns, the Chiefs had a strong advantage in starting field position for most of the night against the Chargers.

Add this to the strong punting of veteran Dustin Colquitt, and you have one of the scariest Special Teams units in the league.

The Chiefs' special teams has a chance to be very special, it will all depend on how far McCluster and Arenas take them from here.

The Defense was playing with a swagger

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers is sacked during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 13, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Kansas City defense was alive against San Diego, and it all started with the play of the Chiefs defensive line.

From Dorsey to Jackson to Derrick Johnson to Flowers, the defense was playing with much more confidence than we have seen in years.

I'm not for sure what Romeo Crennel is feeding them, but he continue what he has been working on with these guys.

Glen Dorsey came alive

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Defenders Tamba Hali #91 and Glenn Dorsey #72 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackle running back Derrick Ward #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo

The former All-American from LSU played possibly his best game in a KC uniform on Monday night.

Dorsey was all over the field, collecting six tackles and a combined sack for his efforts. The Chiefs will need more performances like this one from Dorsey if their defense is going to improve going forward.

Matt Cassel still needs to step up

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs is sacked by Shaun Phillips #95 of the San Diego Chargers during the 1st quarter of the game against on September 13, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

At times, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel looked promising in his team's 21-14 win over San Diego in Week one.

However, the end results for him read 10 of 22 passing with 68 yards through the air. Cassel really needs to elevate his game to another level for this team to compete in the future, and this includes not being so timid in the pocket, and going down field more with accuracy.

Dexter McCluster might be the team's most electrifying player

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KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 13: Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the 1st half of the game against on September 13, 2010 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie

The title of this slide says it all.

If you don't believe me, go back and watch McCluster's 94 yard punt return for a touchdown from Monday's game and tell me why he doesn't have a chance to be the most electrifying player currently on the team.

Every team this man gets the ball, you just have a feeling that he will take it to the house.

Jamaal Charles was in '09 form

Charles is the heart and soul of the Chiefs rushing attack, and showed why on Monday night.

Charles had a heart-pounding 56-yard touchdown run in the 1st quarter that left many Chiefs fans thinking about his season in 2009.

He finished the game rushing for 92 yards on just 11 carries, and continues to look like a young star in this league.