Chiefs Still Stifle the Chargers, 24-10 : AFC: Ross loses debut as Kansas City beats San Diego for the fifth time in a row.

It didn’t take long for the Kansas City Chiefs to put a damper on Bobby Ross’ debut as coach of the San Diego Chargers.

Rookie Dale Carter returned a punt 46 yards for a touchdown 1:39 into the game and Kevin Ross returned an interception 99 yards for another score Sunday as the Chiefs beat the Chargers, 24-10, Kansas City’s fifth victory in a row over San Diego.

“Against a team like Kansas City, you don’t want to get down seven points before the national anthem is finished,” Charger defensive end Burt Grossman said.

Bob Gagliano, the Chargers’ sixth opening-day quarterback in as many seasons, completed seven of 20 passes for 55 yards and was sacked five times for 50 yards. He was replaced by Stan Humphries after the interception by Ross.

“We got them out of their game plan, which was to run the football,” said Chief defensive end Neil Smith, who had 1 1/2 sacks. “Once we got them to throw, we could crank it up and go. We have a lot of guys up front who can rush past you.”

Gagliano was booed as he ran onto the field late in the third quarter. He had thrown 10 consecutive incomplete passes, including an interception by Bennie Thompson on a desperation pass at the end of the first half.

Gagliano completed a 12-yard pass to Derrick Walker, and two plays later had the Chargers at the Kansas City 18. But his next pass bounced off Ronnie Harmon’s shoulder pads into Ross’ hands. Ross ran down the left sideline to make it 17-3.

Humphries, acquired from Washington five days after John Friesz suffered a season-ending knee injury during the exhibition opener, was cheered when he came out for the next drive. The Chargers went three plays and punted, but Humphries then led them on a seven-play, 68-yard drive capped by Rod Bernstine’s two-yard run.

Humphries completed seven of 10 passes for 62 yards, but had a pass intercepted by Carter in the final minute.

Dave Krieg completed 15 of 25 passes for 154 yards with one interception in his first game for the Chiefs, who sealed it on a one-yard scoring run Barry Word.