It would take a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician Derwin James Jerseys 2019 , or perhaps psychologist, to reconcile one of the biggest statistical oddities involving the Kansas City Chiefs this season.They have the NFL's worst defense by a longshot, allowing more than 450 yards per game, and they appear to be equally inept at stopping the run and the pass. Yet when they do manage to stop a team on first and second down, they suddenly become the league's best defense on third downs.Yes, that same sieve-like defense allows a conversion rate of a measly 23.8 percent.When asked to explain the disparity, Chiefs coach Andy Reid pointed to a sense of pride within his defense, a certain back-against-the-wall mentality that brings out their best. Players pointed to the same thing, though several of them acknowledged Wednesday the dichotomy makes little sense."I mean, you've just got to make stops when you need to," cornerback Kendall Fuller said. "When you're going up against the best of the best, they're going to make plays. You've just got to keep on, come back with the same confidence knowing you can make the next play."So far, the Chiefs have indeed made the stops when they needed. They kept Philip Rivers and Co. in check in a season-opening win over the Chargers, then made enough stops against Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers, before using their bend-but-don't-break style to beat the 49ers at home.It was on display again Monday night against Denver.The Chiefs allowed 385 yards White Keenan Allen Jerseys , which is downright stingy by their standards, but were especially good on those third downs. They allowed the Broncos to convert just two of their 11 tries, and none of their four in the second half, when Kansas City mounted its comeback in a 27-23 victory.Once again they bowed up when it mattered most.The Chiefs had just scored to get within 23-20 midway through the fourth quarter when they forced a three-and-out, stuffing Phillip Lindsay on first down and forcing a pair of incompletions. That stop gave them the ball back with plenty of time to go downfield for the go-ahead score.Then, when the Broncos raced back the other direction to get in position for a winning touchdown, the Chiefs held on third-and-10 and again on fourth down to seal the victory."When our defense needed to tighten up, they tightened up. Whether it was before the half or at the end of the game," Reid said. "Guys are making a good effort. Guys are stepping up at the right time and I'm glad they're doing that."To put into perspective just how good the Chiefs have been on third down, consider the fact that only two other teams 鈥?Baltimore and Philadelphia 鈥?are holding opponents below 30 percent conversion rates, and that Cincinnati, which ranks last in that category, allows more than double Kansas City at 57 percent.The Chiefs' rate of 23.8 percent is also a marked improvement over last season, when they were seventh-worst in the NFL at 41.4 percent, and has helped mask many of their deficiencies.Sure, they give up yards by the dozen. But they're also near the bottom of the league with just three takeaways Keenan Allen Jerseys 2019 , and the defense is part of the reason they're one of the NFL's most-penalized teams."We made the stops when we needed to (in Denver) and that should give the defense as a whole confidence," linebacker Justin Houston said. "I think we just need to put a complete game together. We still have yet to put a complete game together. That's our goal is to play the first quarter through the fourth quarter, a complete game of pure dominance. That's what we want."Maybe they should start with dominating on first and second downs.Notes: WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring) and outside linebacker Dee Ford (groin) practiced Wednesday. Both left last week's game against Denver and did not return. ... Safety Eric Berry (heel) remained out of practice. He has not been on the practice field since early in training camp. "We have great communication with him. We know his desire to be there," Reid said. "We're being smart with it. It's a long season." This is a great time of year to be thankful for what we have, where we have been, and what the future holds. Although the Chargers have lost their way a bit in recent years, the month of December still holds such incredible promise! This advent calendar is an attempt to hearken back to these days of December joy. Each day will bring a new advent from the Bolts’ history that makes it wonderful to be a Chargers fan.Dec. 19: A History of Chargers Vs. BroncosOne of the more underrated rivalries in the NFL, the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers have been both at the highest and lowest part of the totem pole throughout their 58 year battle. Back in 1960 when the Bolts actually were still members of the City of Angels sporting unit before moving just 127 miles south, the pair met in the Rocky Mountains to settle the score. Los Angeles came out victorious in that bout, 23-19. Two years later following the relocation, the teams have met on the gridiron a total of 118 times. Sad truth but thanks to the rough stint in the 1970’s and late 1980’s, Denver has had the upper hand. That still is somewhat the case today as in the past 10 matchups, Denver has taken home eight. Pretty much a playoff killer in recent seasons, Denver’s ability to pressure the quarterback and keep the offense off the field has helped keep the Bolts out of any playoff picture since 2013. Granted while the 2016 NFL season could be considered a bust overall, Los Angeles was just a win away last season from making the postseason. An early loss to Trevor (really, like really) Siemian cost the Bolts their chance to make up ground in the AFC West battle. Plain and simple White Melvin Ingram Jerseys , throughout the Chargers’ entire history, the Broncos have been to make them look like the little brothers of the division even though we all know that’s not even close to being true. First meeting: October 16, 1960 - Los Angeles Chargers 23, Denver Broncos 19Next meeting: December 30, 2018VITAL STATS: Meetings total 118 (including the playoffs)All-time series The Broncos lead 66–51–1 (including the playoffs)Postseason results: The Broncos lead 1–0 (Broncos 24, Chargers 17)Largest victory Chargers: 58-20 (1963); Broncos: 38-3 (1997)Longest win streak Chargers: 6 (1963–1966); Chiefs: 7 (1975–1978)Current win streak Broncos: Just one (2018)Let’s look at the positives in all this nonsense. For starters, the win ratio is pretty close overall with Denver holding a 15 game lead over Los Angeles. Second, the 1963 Chargers showed Denver they were in charge and have never been the true little brother. Now the negatives of the whole thing. One, Denver holds the lead and it will take several years of consistent winning for the Bolts to take control of the series. Second, the Broncos have nothing to play for while Los Angeles could rest their starters Week 17 if they don’t clinch the West and a bye week. Let’s take a look by decade to make everyone feel slightly better.1960s (Chargers 15-5)1970s (Broncos 13-6-1)1980s (Broncos 12-8)1990s (Broncos 13-7)2000s (Broncos 11–9)2010s (Broncos 12–6)So that might not make you feel any better heading into a near New Years matchup but hey, the Bolts are heading to January football no matter what while the Broncos are in a loophole of issues with their upper management and on offense. The Bolts however are coming in on a strong note with a chance to take the AFC West title away from Kansas City after their miraculous come from behind victory while Denver just fell to Baker Mayfield and the surprisingly red hot Cleveland Browns last weekend. Anything is possible but with the way Los Angeles is looking with their health and stellar defense, it’ll be hard to slow down the Bolts inside of Broncos Stadium at Mile High. So don’t be a Grinch by looking at the past, be nice, not naughty and look at the positives the Chargers have brought to the table this season. Clearance NFL Jerseys