The score was close, but the play seemed lopsided Thursday night as the Oakland Raiders beat the L.A. Chargers 26-24.
Although neither Philip Rivers nor Derek Carr were particularly impressive for a sustained period of time besides some nice passes, the game went down to the final minutes due to some great defense. Carr ended up with an unimpressive 218 yards to Rivers’ 207. But the difference was the turnovers: Carr zero, Rivers three.
Rivers was picked early on twice, once in the opening drive by Erik Harris (who would go on to for another one that led to a pick-six). The Raiders can claim a team victory on this one with Carr protecting the ball an a single touchdown throw, kicker Daniel Carson going for eight points, rookie running back Joshua Jacobs scoring one and Harris with a touchdown.
Chargers were down 17-20 with four minutes to go when Rivers passed to Austin Ekeler in the red zone to make it 24-20. The Raiders had one final chance after that, which Carr took full advantage of. Credit the coaching staff as well, Carr threw the ball for first downs 10 to 12 yards at a time to go all the way across the field to the 18 yard line. No doubt San Diego expected another throw, Oakland instead handed the ball to Jacobs who ran almost straight ahead for the final touchdown. Jacobs ran for 71 yards, but that last drive drew up his fantasy value.
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The Chargers were indeed outplayed as they rushed Rivers five times to go with the three picks; which makes me question why the score was so close.
We will see in the coming weeks if the Chargers can pick up steam as they play the Pat Mahomes-less Kansas City Chiefs (who have split games without him) and get close to above .500, while the Raiders next face the win-less Cincinnati Bengals at 0-8.
Raiders Bengals on Sunday night and the Chiefs versus Chargers on Monday Night. Football.
