4 Keys to Success for Chargers v. Chiefs

Only on Halloween, can a team look forward to a stadium filled with scary people

The Chargers are 4-2 and in first place, but have looked anything but dominant getting there. Monday Night the team faces the Chiefs in Kansas City.

The last team to beat the Chiefs was the Bolts, a month ago at the Q. This time around things will look a little different.

Here are four keys to a success Monday night:

  • Don't Get Confused

Arrowhead is always rowdy. The Chargers practiced with giant speakers blaring crowd noise this week to prepare. Audibles and snap counts are hard to hear when the crowd hits 100-decibels, so communication will be key. Especially with Tyronne Green starting at left guard for Kris Dielman, who's out with a concussion.

  • Be Versatile

Shaun Phillips, who leads the Chargers with three sacks, is out with a foot injury. That leaves Travis LaBoy, Antwan Barnes, and Darryl Gamble as the only outside linebackers. Also, running back Mike Tolbert likely won't go. So Curtis Brinkley backs up Ryan Mathews and Jacob Hester. t's another case of musical chairs for the Bolts' roster.

  • Force Turnovers

When the Chiefs started the season on a three-game losing streak, they turned the ball over 10 times. During their current three-game winning streak, they've turned it over just twice. Eric Weddle sealed the Chargers' win in September with a 4th quarter interception. Take the ball away from K-C, and score points, and you have a good shot at winning, because their ball control offense is not built for big comebacks.

  • Look Ahead to Next Week

Usually we say the exact opposite. Don't look ahead, focus on the task and team at hand. But, next week the Chargers host the Packers. Green Bay is undefeated and will be coming off a bye, which gives them two weeks to rest and prepare.

It's a long shot the Bolts win that game, so a loss at Kansas City on Monday will drop them to 4 and 4 ---- and potentially out of first place.

Which will not sit well with the already-grumbling fan base.

What do you think the Chargers need to focus on tonight? Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @nbcsandiego or add your comment to our Facebook page.

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