Raiders- Chargers Game 9

The  Raiders have always been a case study in glorious inconsistency. In the NFL timing is everything, Oakland played the Broncos coming off Tim Tebow's public humiliation against Detroit. John Fox, Tebow & the rest of the Donkey crew had everything to prove and nothing to lose. K.C. came into town as the Silver & Black was in the midst of grieving Al Davis and trying to figure out how to plug in that fancy new Qb. 

The Raiders seemingly had nothing going for them before Thursday's game with San Diego. Oakland was riding a two game home losing streak (against divisional rivals) Malfeasance was starting to take root in the locker room as some players complained about playing time and the team is hobbled by injuries. Timing, however is everything and The Raiders caught The Bolts at just the right time and came away with a crucial victory.

It seems that this pundit was a little premature in ejecting the Raiders from the divisional race. It's the AFC West, and nobody other than Tim Tebow seems hungry for the title. Ah!! Mr. Tebow, I feel a need to hate him, but it's not that easy.  Even as the Raider faithful filled the stadium with chants of  "Tebow Sucks", deep down inside I knew that he would make every last one of them eat those words. Advice for Raider fans at the game, next time, let's not tease the gorilla or make Hulk angry.

The Chargers however, have problems of their own. Oakland's gutty 24-17 victory on the road, now has them on the ropes and in the throes of a four game losing streak. The Charger faithful are calling for Norv Turner's head and Marmalard (Philip Rivers) is a hollow shell of his usual smug, arrogant self. A Matt Giordano interception that kept San Diego out of the end zone was Rivers' 15th of the season (an NFL high) His fumble on the final play of the game was his 19th turnover (also an NFL high)

San Diego opened the game with Nick Novak kicking a 20yd. f.g. to cap off their opening drive, however they would go three and out on their next four possessions. Oakland got on the scoreboard on a touchdown by Michael Bush, then extended its lead on a 23 yd. Janikowski field goal. Carson Palmer then found Denarius Moore on a 33 yd. strike for a touchdown putting The Raiders up 17-3 at halftime. The Chargers came back to score a touchdown, cutting the lead to 17-10 early in the second half.  

Oakland would answer on their ensuing drive as Palmer found Moore once more for a 26 yd. score, up 24-10 the game seemed well in hand. The Raiders have been here before, just last week against Denver for instance, when the defense came up short. Raider fans are painfully aware of how fast a 14 point lead can vanish. Rivers connected with Jacob Hester for a 7 yd. td. and just like that, the noose tightened around The Raider's neck.

With just a seven point cushion between them and victory, The Raider defensive unit, did what it hadn't done since the Cleveland game, they made stops. Kamerion Wimbley came back from the dead and started making plays. Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour  manhandled San Diego's patched up offensive line and sacked Philip Rivers six times. Sure, there were still some anxious moments, but for once the defense came close to playing two full halfs of football.

Raider Notes:

Carson Palmer finished 14-20, 299 yds, two tds, 1 int. both touchdown passes went to Denarius Moore, who has suddenly become the Raider's primary receiver. Michael Bush starting in place of  Darren McFadden, rushed for 157 yds. and 1 td. Bush also caught 3 passes for 86 yds. Jacoby Ford sustained an injury in the first quarter and was helped off the field, he did not return. 

With Sebastian Janikowski still nursing a sore hamstring, the Raiders opted for a fake punt instead of a field goal try on their first drive of the game. Unlike two other successful fake punt attempts this season, this one went badly. Quentin Jammer mugged Jacoby Ford as he attempted to catch a pass from Shane Lechler. 

Up next for The Raiders are the Minnesota Vikings, now led by Qb. Christian Ponder.  The Vikings were at 2-6 before Monday's game with Green Bay. Ponder took over for Donovan McNabb who appears to have reached the end of his rope. Minnesota has fallen off dramatically, but they still have Adrian Peterson who shoulders the offensive load.

Highlights: Michael Bush, the tandem of Bush & McFadden is the best in the NFL, now if only Darren could stay healthy. Carson Palmer continues to impress me, sure he gets picked off every now and then, but he's more than a capable replacement for Jason Campbell.

Lowlights: Janikowski's nagging injury brings The Raider's kicking game back to earth.

The Otherside: Marmalard (Rivers) is a mess, Norv Turner is a mess and I couldn't be happier

For What it's Worth:

 “We had a real good rhythm going, there were some great play calls at the right time. We still have some things to get better at, but it’s just good to come into this environment and get a win.”  Carson Palmer

“I know the man, I know what he is and what we have, We haven’t seen the best of him yet. He’s just warming up.” Hue Jackson on Carson Palmer

 “Obviously some of the offensive linemen went down and we smelled blood and we just went after him,” Richard Seymour on sacking Rivers six times

"After owning the first half, taking a 17-3 lead -- and the competition wasn't that close -- they started giving it back after halftime. It's as if they went into the locker room to sing camp songs and eat ice cream." Oakland Tribune staff writer

"We have a problem coming out of the locker room, I don't know what it is, but we still better figure it out."  Tommy Kelly on The Raider defense's second half struggles.