While a bye week and a coaching change sparked Oakland’s best game of the year, it still wasn’t enough to get their elusive first victory as the Raiders squandered a fourth quarter lead at home to fall to 0-5 on the season, while San Diego moved to 5-1 and remain ahead in the AFC West.
The Raiders remained competitive throughout the game and were in good position in Charger territory with over a minute remaining in the game before their quarterback had a rookie moment, making an ill-advised decision to go for the home run instead of playing it safe.
San Diego Chargers – Performances of Note
Malcolm Floyd, WR: +2.1
Breakdown: Floyd was a consistent target as usual, catching five passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, more or less allowing Phillip Rivers to throw it up and let his receiver make a play in contested situations.
Signature Play: 1Q, 1:35. Made the adjustment to haul in a 20 yard reception despite defensive pass interference and face guarding by T.J Carrie on the play.
Jason Verrett, CB: +3.1
Breakdown: Playing more than 50 of his 58 snaps at the right cornerback spot, San Diego’s first-rounder played well with his second straight game in the green. Targeted seven times, Verrett allowed just two receptions and pulled in the game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter.
Signature Stat: Throwing into Verrett’s coverage yielded a meager 8.9 QB rating for Oakland.
DJ Fluker, RT: -2.4
Breakdown: While he had a pretty good day in pass protection, Fluker struggled run blocking, both at the point of attack and moving to the second level, which has been a team-wide trend this season as the Chargers again failed fell short of averaging four yards per carry on the ground.
Signature Play: 2Q, 12:41. Was easily shed inside by Lamarr Woodley, who had a shot at bringing down the running back for a short gain.
Oakland Raiders – Performances of Note
Derek Carr, QB: +0.1
Breakdown: Had a rough end to the game with a fumble and interception on the team’s final drive, but otherwise took care of the ball and played his best game of the season, completing 18 of his 30 aimed passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns, the first of which was about as good a throw as you’ll see.
Signature Play: 1Q, 14:18. Tough to throw it better than Carr did on the third offensive play of the game as he hit receiver Andre Holmes in stride for a 77 yard touchdown.
Menelik Watson, RT: +3.3
Breakdown: Nothing spectacular here, just a solid display in both phases in his first full game of the season. Allowed just a pair of hurries in 38 snaps pass blocking, with several nice blocks against Kendall Reyes in the run game.
Signature Stat: This was the first time in his career (two seasons) that Watson played every offensive snap.
Miles Burris, LB: -4.4
Breakdown: While the Raiders largely contained the San Diego rushing attack, Burris wasn’t much help as he consistently failed to get off blocks, particularly against center Rich Ohrnberger at the second level. He did manage several positive plays, including two defensive stops, but otherwise had a forgettable day.
Signature Play: 1Q, 0:43. Burris was unblocked on the play, but failed to bring down Branden Oliver in the backfield as the RB picked up four of the five yards needed on the play.
PFF Game Ball
Jason Verrett gets this one for his work in coverage and ensuring a San Diego victory with his interception late in the fourth quarter.
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