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

Looking at Kansas City's offensive stats from the first half, it's shocking that the Chargers are only up by 10 points. They've dominated time of possession, and with a couple of important exceptions, Philip Rivers has been solid. A lead this small, no matter who you're playing, is never safe in the NFL.

Here are five halftime adjustments San Diego needs to make to take the Chiefs down.

1. Keep Targeting Vincent Jackson: Rivers has had his eye on Jackson all game so far. He set career highs last week with 10 receptions for 172 yards. They haven’t had as much success today (just four catches on seven targets), but that doesn’t mean it’s time to look for someone else. Expect a lot more balls thrown Vincent Jackson’s way in the second half.

2. Passing on First Down: San Diego has had limited success running the ball on first downs. Rivers needs to get some positive gains through the air on first to set up a screen or a draw for Ryan Mathews. They’ve got to get Mathews out in space to utilize him to his full potential.

3. Keep Randy McMichael Involved: Look, we know he’s not Antonio Gates, but Randy McMichael isn’t a slouch, either. Rivers was looking his way a lot on the first half, and McMichael didn’t disappoint (three catches for 25 yards). He doesn’t have the explosion that Gates does, but he doesn’t need it. Keeping the defense honest will go a long way in getting more yards on the ground.

4. Better Protection for Rivers: San Diego’s offensive line isn’t doing much of a job protecting for Rivers. He’s thrown a pick under duress, fumbled and been banged around a bit. The Chargers have to find a way to buy Rivers more time in the pocket. Rivers isn’t the stiffest quarterback in the league, but he’s just not very effective on the run. Keeping him upright will go a long way towards putting up more points in the second half.

5. Keep up the Perfect Defense: Not a big surprise, but the Chargers were nearly flawless against Kansas City’s suspect offense. San Diego has done a great job of limiting pass-catchers to nearly nothing after the catch. Expect Matt Cassel to continue throwing a lot of short screen passes in the second half.