The San Diego Chargers, likely playing for the final time under head coach Norv Turner, jumped out to an early lead and held on in their season finale against the visiting Oakland Raiders, winning 24-21. The Raiders fell behind early as Micheal Spurlock returned the opening kickoff for 99 yards and a touchdown, with the Chargers jumping to a 10-0 lead after the first quarter and a 17-7 lead at halftime.
Raiders vs. Chargers results: San Diego holds off Oakland in season finale
San Diego defeats Oakland 24-21 in what is likely Norv Turner’s last game as head coach of the Chargers.
Harry How
The second half saw San Diego muster just seven points, with Oakland spot starter Terrelle Pryor almost rallying the Raiders via two fourth quarter touchdown passes.
There has been much speculation that with this game the Norv Turner Era will be over in San Diego. Turner has been the head coach of the Chargers since 2007, compiling a 113-122 record with no playoff appearances in the last three seasons.
Winner(s)
As much as there can be one in a contest of this nature, much-maligned quarterback Philip Rivers was 13 of 17 for 151 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. The Chargers amassed only 210 yards of total offense, but did not turn the ball over once. Terrelle Pryor had a rough start under center for Oakland, but a strong final stanza, completing 13 of 28 passes for 150 yards, with the two touchdowns and an interception.
See, the media can say nice things about Rivers
Philip Rivers recorded his fifth straight 3,500 yard season on last drive, the longest streak in team history.
— Ricky Henne (@ChargersRHenne) December 30, 2012
"Antonio Gates is really good" stat of the game
Gates now has scored 83 TDs, tying Lance Alworth for most in team history.(Alworth had two rushing TDs.)
— Bill Johnston (@ChargersPRguy) December 30, 2012
Odds
Wagering on this game did not necessarily seem prudent, but if one did so the Chargers were favored by eight points, according to our friends at OddsShark, and did not cover.
Next team on the schedule
The season is mercilessly over for frustrated Chargers and Raiders fans. In case San Diego fans are already looking ahead to next season, the team posted the 2013 opponents during the game:
Our 2013 opponents have been determined: Home: AFC West, CIN, DAL, HOU, IND & NYG. Away: AFC West, JAX, MIA, PHI, TEN & WAS.
— San Diego Chargers (@chargers) December 30, 2012
For a San Diego perspective on the game, check out Bolts From The Blue. For an Oakland perspective on the game, visit Silver And Black Pride and SB Nation Bay Area.
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