Raiders Defense Stops Chargers Late Surge

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Raiders Defense Stands Tall, Stops Charger Comeback

The Chargers traveled up north to take on their AFC West foes the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football. The 1st half was all Raiders as they controlled the football very well. Carson Palmer was hot... leading Oakland to 2 TD drives in the half however he finished the night with a sour 3 TDs to 5 INTs. The Chargers had a dilemma coming into this game, Rivers or Dalton? Rivers ended up getting the nod after a good week of practice. Phillip had a terrible night going 26-40 with 2 TDs and 5 INTs. Defense kept SD in the game led by Safety Eric Weddle's 5 tackles and CB A.J Jefferson's 3 tackles and interception of Palmer. RB Chris Ivory (22 Carries, 90 yards, 7 receptions, 40 yards) and TE Antonio Gates (4 receptions, 78 yards, TD) gave the Chargers a spark and allowed them to tie the game at 28-28 in the 4th. With Palmer being so shaky the Raiders relied on RBs Darren Mcfadden (16 Carries, 114 yards, TD, 3 receptions, TD) and Joseph Addai ( 7 carries, 83 yards, 2 TD) to get them the lead back... and once they took the lead they never looked back. Oakland's defense shut down a once productive SD offense in the final quarter with LB Rolando Mcclain (7 tackles, 2 sacks) and DE Lamar Houston (4 sacks) leading the pass rush and veteran CB Jabari Greer (5 tackles, 2 INT) leading the pass defense Oakland turned a 28-28 game into a 49-28 win for the men in black.

What we learned (Chargers): They might have to start Dalton sooner than expected.. this team was resilient till the end and i think they're a deep sleeper.

What we learned (Raiders): Oakland's Defense is looking sharp and is poised for a top 5 year if they keep it up.


NERO