QUARTERBACK — D-
JaMarcus Russell left the game in the 2nd quarter with a right ankle injury and according to the the NFL Network; x-rays taken at the stadium were reported to be negative. He was 9-of-13 for 68 yards and was accountable for three turnovers (2 interceptions and 1 fumble), which led to 17 points for the Chargers. Russell’s first interception was thrown into an area with three defenders and was one of the few tosses in 2008 that showed his immaturity in reading coverages. Andrew Walter came on in relief and finished the game 8-of-17 for 61-yards and 1 interception. He was inaccurate and unsettled while experiencing many of the dilemmas Russell has faced throughout 2008; a hapless offensive line and a lack of playmakers at the skill positions.
RUNNING BACKS — D
Justin Fargas led the team with 50 yards on 12 carries. But his effectiveness was curtailed after San Diego jumped out to an early lead. Darren McFadden was used sparingly and did not look explosive or fully incorporated into the game plan. On the Silver & Black’s second play of the game, McFadden was put in motion and upon the snap, Russell tossed a swing pass his way but it was stuffed for no gain. The rookie had a lackluster effort on a screen pass from Walter on a 4th down play. Michael Bush made a cameo appearance but was a non-factor.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS — D-
Zach Miller’s 8 receptions for 64 yards were the lone bright spot in another wretched performance by the offense. Johnnie Lee Higgins and Ronald Curry combined for a uninspiring 4 receptions for 37 yards.
OFFENSIVE LINE — F
Why does Tom Cable continue to trot Kwame Harris out there? He added to his league leading penalty total (had a face mask penalty and a holding flag declined) and was inept with his run and pass blocking. John Wade wasn’t any better, as the starting center was flagged for holding during a drive in the 3rd quarter when Oakland actually had converted a first down. On a screen to McFadden, Wade was out of position and became a roadblock for the rookie when he got tackled for no gain. Cornell Green was put on his backside on Russell’s second interception of the game. Green’s inability to hold his ground led to the turnover when Russell got hit as he released his pass. On that same play, Russell was injured and lost for the night.
DEFENSIVE LINE – D-
Whether it was versus the run or when the Chargers took advantage of their undisciplined play on screens, the Raiders defensive line looked overmatched and confused throughout the game. Tommy Kelly was flagged for unnecessary roughness after a play, which erased a 3rd and 7 at the San Diego 7. Ultimately, that possession ended with a Darren Sproles 8-yard scoring reception on a drive that covered 96 yards on 15 plays for the Chargers.
LaDainian Tomlinson had his way with the Raiders once again, tallying 16 carries for 59 yards at the half and ending with 91 rushing yards and one score.
LINEBACKERS — D
The trio of Thomas Howard, Kirk Morrison and Jon Alston had difficulties covering and getting to Darren Sproles, who had 3 catches for 34 yards – two of those going for scores.
The linebackers got caught in traffic during screens and were out of position throughout the lopsided contest.
SECONDARY — D
Nnamdi Asomugha was beat on the game’s third play when Philip Rivers connected with Vincent Jackson on a 46-yard bomb. Oakland’s best cornerback was out of position and uncharacteristically flagged for pass interference on Jackson, but the Chargers accepted the result of the play instead. Chris Johnson had his first rough outing since inserted into the starting line-up. Jackson gave him fits all night, notably on the 59-yard catch that put the Chargers up 24-0 in the 2nd quarter. Gibril Wilson had a difficult night as well, missing a few tackles on the shifty Sproles.
Jackson ended with 5 grabs for 148 yards and one score.
Malcom Floyd’s lone reception for 19 yards on 3rd and 8 continued a drive that ended in a Nate Keading 39-yard field goal.
SPECIAL TEAMS — A
Justin Miller provided the lone highlight for the Silver & Black with his 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. That gave the Raiders their second special teams touchdown of the season in the first half, one more touchdown than they have scored on offense all season before halftime. Isaiah Ekejiuba forced a fumble in the 4th quarter on a punt return and Shane Lechler placed three of his punts inside the 20 yard line while averaging 46.9 yards on 7 punts.
COACHING – F
The team came out uninspired, undisciplined and not ready to play. That’s an indictment on the coaching staff, as the team showed no emotion during a nationally televised game, extending their abysmal record to 0-10 in primetime games since 2005. Tom Cable has not developed a personality for this offense, something they had when Lane Kiffin was the coach. They cannot run the football consistently now and their creativity is non-threatening. The Raiders defense has struggled against the run since 2003. And Tomlinson has made a career of embarrassing the Raiders. The all-world Charger rusher didn’t put up jaw dropping numbers, but he did get the yards needed to put the game away early. Oakland was flagged 6 more times for 70-yards, and could’ve been flagged for a few more plays if not for the Chargers opting to nullify the flags.
EXTRA POINTS
- Miller amassed 174 yards on 6 kickoff returns for an average of 29.0 yards per return.
- Shaun Phillips had 5 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Stephen Cooper recorded 2 interceptions.
- Oakland secured their sixth straight season with at least 10 losses. Their streak is the longest active in the NFL and tied for the second-longest in league history.
