The Chargers extended their winning streak against the Raiders to 12 games with a 24-20 win thanks to an 89-yard touchdown drive with 2:34 remaining in the game.
Said Chargers QB Philip Rivers, “I don’t know about ‘pretty’ and ‘ugly’ and all that. It seems like we’re expected to win a certain way against Oakland because we have a streak going, but there’s no reason to assume that. You find a way to win. There’s no AP poll where votes matter. You just find a way to win and move on.”
Wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Legedu Naanee each made big plays in the fourth quarter to help the Chargers come back and win.
The Chargers didn’t record a sack until less than three minutes remained in the game, as LB Shawne Merriman’s return didn’t do much to help the pass rush.
Injuries to C Nick Hardwick and G Louis Vasquez left the Chargers shorthanded on the line and left Rivers scrambling under pressure.
When QB JaMarcus Russell hit WR Louis Murphy for a 57-yard touchdown with 2:34 remaining, it looked like the Raiders might wind up with the win.
Said Raiders coach Tom Cable, “I’ve been a Raider since 2007 and I felt like that was the first time in the locker room after a loss where it really got us in the gut, and that’s a good thing.”
The Raiders defense did a great job through three quarters, but things fell apart in the final 15 minutes.
Other than that touchdown it was a rough night for Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell, who finished 12 of 30 for 208 yards and threw two interceptions.
Raiders running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush combined for 123 yards on 29 carries.