SAN DIEGO -- Ryan Leaf, ineffective in San Diego's first two regular-season games after a strong preseason, will not start the
Chargers' game Sunday in Kansas City.
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Coach Mike Riley said Thursday that Moses Moreno will open at quarterback against the Chiefs.
"I think it's our best chance to win right now," Riley said.
"This is obviously something that didn't happen in the last 24
hours. I've thought about it. It's a big move.
"One of our biggest goals was to be a productive team on
offense. We haven't been. I think right now our team needs a
spark."
Leaf responded by saying he'd like to see Moreno get a good chance to grow that spark into a fire.
"I just think it's kind of stupid to go with a quarterback for
two games, then another quarterback comes in and plays three
games," Leaf said. "Stick with the kid. If Moses comes in, stick with him. Let him
play it out and let him, if times turn rough, go down with him and
don't take him out to save his face."
In San Diego's opening losses to Oakland and New Orleans, Leaf
threw five interceptions and had a 33.4 quarterback rating. He did
throw a touchdown pass Sunday against the Saints.
"The Kansas City week has been bad for me, huh?" Leaf said,
referring to a 1-for-15, five-turnover performance against the
Chiefs during his rookie season.
"All three of us are capable of starting and winning for this
ballclub. Jim (Harbaugh) and Moses have supported me through all
this. I'm going to support Moses."
Moreno has seen limited action this season and has just one
career start as a rookie with Chicago in 1998.
"It was a little shocking," Moreno said. "They have to make
those decisions sometimes. He (Riley) looked me right in the eye
and said, 'We feel confident, we feel comfortable with you in
there.' That lets you know it's the real deal."
Riley stressed the move was based solely on performance, ending
speculation that Leaf's rebuilt right shoulder was hurting or that
he had been subordinate in any way.
"Absolutely not," Riley said. "I think for Ryan in the long
run, and the team in the immediate, this is the right decision."
Leaf, the second pick overall in the 1998 draft, had a different
take on his future.
"I don't think I'll be the starter again unless Moses goes down
or is hurt," Leaf said. "It's not in my hands. I did the most I
could to put myself out on the football field."
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VIDEO
  Ryan Leaf doesn't think two weeks is enough for a QB to have success. wav: 190 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Chargers coach Mike Riley felt that the team need a spark. wav: 73 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Junior Seau says that the bottom line is that you have to produce. wav: 60 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 |
