Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers: 5 Halftime Adjustments for the Chiefs

Looking at Kansas City's offensive stats in the first half, it's a miracle that they're still in this game. Although their offense has been brutal to watch, the defense has done an impressive job of stifling Rivers and the Chargers. Facing only a seven-point deficit, Kansas City can easily get back into this game. Here are five halftime adjustments KC must make to pull off the upset.

1) Keep Bringing the Pressure on Rivers – KC has done a good job of pressuring Rivers in the first half. He’s been on the run and very uncomfortable in the pocket. KC forced a pick with a good pass-rush on the first drive of the game, and later forced a Rivers fumble on a blitz. They must keep up the pressure and keep Rivers off balance to win this game.

2. Sustain Drives – Kansas City has to find a way to eat up some clock. Six drives with no first downs is completely unacceptable. The Chiefs have to find a way to get some positive yardage on first downs. Whether it’s Thomas Jones or Dexter McCluster, KC has to run the football on early downs. It’s the only way they’ll be able to convert on third.

3. Look for the Big Play – If the Chiefs aren’t able to churn out yards consistently, why not take a shot downfield? Cassel doesn’t have a ton of targets to work with, but Bowe and McCluster certainly have the speed to justify a few looks downfield. If they don’t take a risk and go for the big play, the offense will continue to stall.

4. Continue Forcing Turnovers – The Chiefs secondary has made a few great plays on deep plays downfield, racking up two timely interceptions. Superb play from the secondary is a great way to force mistakes, but getting pressure on Rivers is what it’s really about. If the Chiefs can keep him off balance, they have a shot at pulling off a second-half miracle.

5. Get Dwayne Bowe Involved – Obviously the Chargers secondary is going to be honed in on Bowe, but Cassel didn’t look his way once the entire first half. Zero targets. That’s just not going to get it done. With Jamaal Charles out, Bowe is far and away KC's best playmaker. He needs the ball in his hands to do his job. Expect Cassel to look Bowe's way early and often in the second half.