It was a shootout, the kind of dazzling offensive performances the Rams have been using to whack opposing teams all season. But this time, it was the Chiefs whacking the Rams. Kansas City handed St. Louis its first loss of the season, 54-34, knocking out Rams quarterback Kurt Warner in the process. Before the Chiefs injured Warner, they picked off two of his passes, and the Chief offense turned those turnovers into a quick 10-0 lead. Then Bracy Walker blocked a punt and Mike Cloud carried the ball into the end zone for a 20-0 lead. The Chiefs battered Warner several times, but it was a standard snap from center that broke his pinky finger. Warner may miss four to six weeks, though he hopes to return sooner. Trent Green stepped in after halftime to throw three touchdown passes. With or without the aid of turnovers, the Chief offense dominated the Ram defense, passing for 362 yards. Kimble Anders, named the starter at tailback, rushed for 102 yards, 69 on one play. Both Derrick Alexander and Tony Gonzalez had five catches for 117 yards, and each scored a touchdown. The Chiefs are 4-3, with a road trip to Seattle next. The Rams are 6-1, and travel to San Francisco.
