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Schottenheimer, Chargers visit Chiefs in AFC West matchup

Oct 17, 2006 - 11:49 PM San Diego (4-1) at Kansas City (2-3) Sunday 1:00 pm EDT

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- Marty Schottenheimer has not enjoyed facing his former team at Arrowhead Stadium.

Schottenheimer could move into sole possession of sixth place on the all-time wins list Sunday when his San Diego Chargers visit the Kansas City Chiefs in a matchup of AFC West rivals.

Schottenheimer coached the Chiefs from 1989-98, winning three division titles and leading the franchise to eight playoff appearances. His 190 career wins tie Dan Reeves for sixth all-time.

Since becoming Chargers coach in 2002, Schottenheimer is just 1-3 against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium and 4-4 overall. San Diego has dropped nine of its last 12 visits here.

One of those losses for Schottenheimer here came last December 24 when Larry Johnson rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown and also caught a score to lead the Chiefs to a 20-7 victory.

In the the first meeting between the teams last season, Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates had 10 receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Chargers to a 28-20 victory.

Schottenheimer still has Gates and Pro Bowl running back LaDainian Tomlinson to lead the offense. But he also has to be happy with Philip Rivers, whose 100.6 quarterback rating is second in the NFL.

Rivers threw for a career-high 334 yards and two touchdowns last week as the Chargers coasted to a 48-19 victory at San Francisco. Tomlinson rushed for four short touchdowns, giving him 87 in his career to surpass Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the most in club history.

Schottenheimer also has to be pleased with the NFL's third-ranked defense led by linebackers Shaun Phillips and Shawne Merriman, who have combined for 11 1/2 sacks.

Chiefs coach Herman Edwards has opted to limit his game plan since Trent Green went down with a concussion in the season opener. Damon Huard has split four starts since taking over for Green, who may be getting closer to a return.

Edwards will be looking for more production from his running game since Johnson has been limited to 62 yards on 31 carries in his last two games. San Diego is third against the run, allowing just 71.6 yards.

The Chiefs were denied their third straight win last Sunday with a 38-7 loss at Pittsburgh. Kansas City surrendered 457 total yards.