SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- A few thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs' 22-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium:
What it means: The Chiefs had an excellent chance to win their third straight game in a rugged stretch of schedule. But after taking leads of 7-0 and 10-3 in the first half, things got away from them. The Chiefs are instead 2-3 and a full two games behind the first-place Chargers in the AFC West. That makes their next game, against San Diego in two weeks, almost a must-win for the Chiefs if they are to remain a part of the division picture.
Stock watch: Cornerback Marcus Cooper had a tough day. The 49ers picked on him for several big passing plays, including a 9-yard touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson late in the first half to put the 49ers ahead for the first time. Junior Hemingway had the best day of his NFL career with four catches for 50 yards. Jamaal Charles rushed for 80 yards and moved into second place behind Priest Holmes on the Chiefs' all-time rushing list.
No faith in Santos: In a game when the opponent made all five of its field goal attempts and two from beyond 50 yards, the Chiefs passed on a chance in the third quarter to have rookie Cairo Santos try a 54-yard kick. A successful kick would have put the Chiefs ahead 20-16. They punted into the end zone instead and the 49ers mounted a drive that resulted in their go-ahead field goal. Santos had earlier made a 42-yard field goal attempt. The Chiefs kept Santos instead of veteran Ryan Succop in part because of his range.
Game ball: Rookie De'Anthony Thomas, who missed the season's first four games because of a strained hamstring, turned the game around in the third quarter with a 28-yard punt return and a 17-yard touchdown catch. Those would be the last points the Chiefs would score, however.
What's next: The Chiefs head into their bye before returning to game action on Oct. 19 against the Chargers in San Diego.
