The Raiders opened the 2012 season with a thud, losing the season opener 22-14.
The silver and black's only touchdown came with 54 seconds left in the game on a two-yard pass from Carson Palmer to rookie Rod Streater. Streater also helped Palmer convert the two-point conversion to bring the Raiders to within eight. The Raiders' ensuing onside kick failed and the Chargers ran out the clock and ended the game in victory formation.
The Raiders' defense hung tough, forcing five field goals by Chargers place kicker Nate Kaeding.
The Chargers' lone touchdown came with 3:10 left in the first half via a six-yard touchdown pass from Phillip Rivers to Malcolm Floyd, putting the Bolts ahead 10-3.
The Raiders answered Floyd's score with a 14-play, 69-yard scoring drive of their own. However, Oakland had to settle for a 19-yard Sebastian Janikowski field goal after their drive stalled inside the Charger's 2-yard line. The three points brought the Raiders within four at 10-6 heading into halftime.
The game was not as close as the final score would indicate. The Raiders were actually within striking distance the entire night. But their trouble with the punt team and the inability to find any success throwing the ball downfield should have left fans feeling this was not the Raiders' night.
In 2012, the Raiders are supposed to run a West Coast style offense. That said, the team was missing two wideouts on Monday night. Deep threats Denarius Moore (hamstring) and Jacoby Ford (foot) missed the contest due to injuries.
The deep ball is no longer a main priority in Oakland, but having them on the field at least gives the team the ability to stretch the opposing team's defense from time to time.
Having r...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
