All it took was a matchup with the Chiefs for the Chargers to get their season back on track.

Falling to 2-3 after lackluster showings against two of the league's top teams, the Steelers and Broncos, San Diego got back to .500 on Sunday with a 37-7 walloping of Kansas City.

Although the offense played well, it was the defense that finally put it all together for the Bolts, notching a season-high four sacks and intercepting QB Matt Cassel three times in the blowout. OLB Shaun Phillips recorded his first two sacks of the season, and the secondary held the Chiefs to just 82 yards through the air.

"We played a complete game on defense," said head coach Norv Turner. "We were able to create pressure, and we did play better in the secondary. We've got a lot of work to do in all three phases, but if you keep improving, then you're going to be alive."

The PFW spin

It might be difficult for the Chargers to get too excited about anything they did against the Chiefs, whose offense ranks among the worst in the league, but a strong effort like this could be what the team needed mentally to give them confidence that they're still good enough to get back into playoff contention.

It was especially important for the "D" to come through with a big-time showing, as that unit has looked lost at points this season. That wasn't the case Sunday, however. The secondary completely stymied Cassel, forcing him to complete only 40 percent of his passes for 97 yards with one TD and three picks. Playing his first game as the full-time nickel corner in place of Antoine Cason, Steve Gregory came up with one of those INTs, also adding a sack.

While it was raining in Kansas City on Sunday, the linebacking corps had its day in the sun, too. Phillips did not have a sack in 2009 but came up with two against the Chiefs in the type of game that could turn his season around. And starting in place of the injured Kevin Burnett, Tim Dobbins had a monster performance, finishing with 11 solo tackles and an interception. Unfortunately for the Bolts, Shawne Merriman was not able to get in on the fun, as he still is looking for his first sack of the season.

On the other side of the ball, the offensive line made strides by not allowing QB Philip Rivers to get sacked. And to no one's surprise, Rivers was sharp again, throwing for 268 yards and three scores. Meanwhile, his top target, WR Vincent Jackson, continues to prove he's one of the top receivers in the league, torching K.C. for two 51-yard receptions on his way to a 5-142-1 outing.

If there was anything wrong with the Chargers' performance Sunday, it was their execution around the goal line. Despite carrying the ball eight times inside the 5-yard line, LaDainian Tomlinson was repeatedly denied, gaining just two yards and not finding the endzone. Making five trips into the red zone, San Diego came away with only two TDs. While their inability to punch the ball in didn't hurt them vs. the Chiefs, it certainly could cost them against better opponents.

In all, though, the Chargers have to be pleased with how they dismantled Kansas City this week. They have a great chance to register another runaway victory and further build their confidence when the Raiders come to town next week. They need to capitalize on that game, as it's followed by a brutal three-game stretch that includes trips to face the Giants and Broncos sandwiched around a home meeting with the Eagles.