The Raiders came out in the first quarter with incredible special teams play. Rock Cartwright blocked a Mike Scifres punt that rolled into and out of the end zone for a safety. Later in the quarter, Hiram Eugene returned another blocked punt five yards for a touchdown. The Black Hole was alive in the first quarter as the Raiders took a surprising 12-0 lead heading into the second quarter.
The 12-point lead did not last long, as Philip Rivers threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates in the second quarter. This was the beginning of an amazing day for Rivers, as he threw for an astounding 431 yards against a solid Raiders pass defense. Later in the second, Mike Tolbert ran it in from four yards out, giving the Bolts a 14-12 lead. Sebastion Janikowski gave Oakland the lead but it was not long before San Diego responded.
The Chargers went into half-time with a 17-15 lead, after a Nate Kaeding field goal.
Chargers' receiver Malcom Floyd caught a 41-yard touchdown toss from Rivers in the third quarter, capping a two play 63-yard drive. Floyd had his way with the Raiders' secondary, catching eight balls for 213 yards and a touchdown.
The Floyd touchdown put the Chargers up by nine in the third quarter, and many thought that it was time for the Raiders to pack it in and call it a day. Backup quarterback Jason Campbell had other ideas in mind. Campbell's number was called after starter Bruce Gradkowski aggravated a shoulder injury.
Campbell responded to the Floyd touchdown with an impressive drive of his own. The former Redskin hit tight end Zach Miller for a 1-yard touchdown, cutting the Chargers' lead to 24-22.
After another Nate Kaeding field goal, the Raiders were down 27-22 in the fourth quarter, and the Raiders had to fight back an...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
