Raiders Vs. Chargers, Thursday Night Football Final: San Diego’s Rally Falls Short, Raiders Win 24-17

After taking an early 3-0 lead over the Oakland Raiders, it was all Raiders from then on. The San Diego Chargers were out gained nearly four to one in the first half and trailed 17-3 at halftime. The Chargers rallied back in the second half, hitting some big plays in the passing game and got within a touchdown, but couldn't get much going late in the fourth quarter, ending the game on two consecutive sacks.

Once left tackle Marcus McNeill went down early in the game with a neck stinger, quarterback Philip Rivers was harassed all game long by the Raiders defense. Rivers was sacked six times total and hit another six times. Defensive end Kamerion Wimbley sacked Rivers four times, hitting him five times total. Ultimately, the Raiders forced the Chargers to play one-dimensional offensively with Rivers passing the ball 47 times, but he was beat up all game long and just couldn't get enough going early on and the game got away from them.

The Raiders offense on the other hand hit explosive play after explosive play. Quarterback Carson Palmer hit wide receiver Jacoby Ford early on a deep pass, but Ford sprained his left ankle on the play. Luckily for the Raiders, Denarius Moore was more than willing to step up and be the deep threat, ending the day with 5 catches for 123 yards and 2 touchdowns. Palmer ended the night completing 14 of 20 passes for 299 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception.

Even Michael Bush, filling in for the injured Darren McFadden had a great game. Bush had 157 rushing yards on 30 carries with a rushing touchdown, not to mention 3 receptions for 85 yards. The Raiders downed the Chargers 24-17 and now take the lead in the AFC West, which is still wide open.