This was no ordinary fury—this was a purpose statement to show the rest of the NFL that the Raiders were still in the thick of things in the unpredictable AFC West.
Oakland came into San Diego carrying a two-game losing streak in which they were outscored 68-20; San Diego came in as one of the hottest teams in the league looking to capitalize off of a 36-14 stomping of the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday night, a game in which the Chargers picked off Peyton Manning four times.
As the game began, the intensity of an old AFL rivalry was in effect. The Chargers were trying to salvage the season series against their long time rivals. Oakland beat San Diego 35-27 in Week 5, giving the Raiders their first victory over the Chargers since 2003. The Chargers were riding a four game winning streak overall and an 18 game winning streak in the month of December.
However, as the game played out, it was clear the Raiders were in no mood to see either of these streaks continue.
The Chargers horrendous special teams play hurt them yet again, as Darren Sproles muffed a Shane Lechler punt four minutes into the game, setting up a nine yard touchdown run by Jason Campbell to give the Raiders a 7-0 lead.
The Raiders carried their momentum to the defensive side of the ball too, as Michael Huff intercepted Philip Rivers near midfield; the turnover created seven more points for the Raiders, as Jason Campbell connected with rookie Jacoby Ford in the corner of the end zone to put Oakland on top 14-0.
One of the reasons Oakland had struggled in their previous two games was their inability to establish the run. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush had been invisible against the Steelers and Dolphins, and they both took their frustration out...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
