Oakland Raiders create big plays to upset the San Diego Chargers 35-28
Despite throwing for over 430 yards and two touchdowns, San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers had to watch the Oakland Raiders defence and special teams make big play after big play to steal a 35-27
win on Sunday.
How it went down
It was the Raiders special teams that was responsible for all the points in the first quarter when they blocked a punt for a safety, kicked a 50-yard field goal, and recovered a second blocked punt in
the endzone for a touchdown, giving the Raiders a 12-0 lead after one quarter.
The Chargers, however, fought back with touchdowns from Antonio Gates and Mike Tolbert, and each team added a field goal, as the Chargers went into half-time up 17-15.
After Michael Bush capped off a 14-play, 73-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run in the fourth point putting the Raiders up by a point 28-27, Philip Rivers led his offence onto the field with just
under four minutes to go looking for the win. Instead, Rivers was sacked by safety Michael Huff after the Chargers had moved the ball into Raiders territory. When the ball came loose Tyvon Branch picked it up and ran it all the way back for a touchdown putting
the game out of reach for the Chargers.
What they're saying
Raiders head coach Tom Cable described the importance of beating a team like the Chargers who have dominated the AfC West for the past several seasons:
"That's a heck of a team, and it's been nemesis for a number of years, obviously dating back to 2003," he said. "They've been the champ. And if you ever want to be that, you've got to beat the champ. So
it's just a good win."
Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell, who replaced an injured Bruce Gradkowski, praised his team's extra effort:
"It definitely meant a lot, just seeing the guys on the sideline, how hard they were fighting," he said. "The one thing I said was, 'You didn't give up.' And guys said maybe in years past they would have
tucked it in, but this time they didn't."
What it all means
The San Diego Chargers, now 2-3, find themselves in familiar territory as they started last season with a 2-3 record as well. Last season they turned that poor start into a 13-3 regular season and a division
title. They play another 2-3 team next week when they travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams.
With the win, the Raiders made themselves competitive in the division as they all chase the surprise division leaders – the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders travel down the road to take on the 0-5 San Francisco
49ers next Sunday.
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