The Chargers lost to the Raiders, 27-17 in a late night game at O.co Coliseum in Oakland Sunday night.
The 8:35 p.m. kickoff started out ugly for the Chargers and never really recovered. Quarterback Philip Rivers threw an interception on San Diego's first possession and the Raiders capitalized, getting points on the board early with a touchdown from Terrelle Pryor to wide receiver Rob Streater.
Before the end of the first quarter, the Raiders scored again, driving 13 plays, 88 yards in 8:08, with Pryor completing 8 of 8 passes. For the first time this season, the Chargers were unable to score in the first quarter.
The Chargers had a chance to get points early in the second quarter, in a fourth-and-goal situation, but running back Danny Woodhead was stuffed and unable to get the touchdown.
A muffed punt by Eddie Royal on the Chargers' next possession gave the Raiders the ball in the Chargers' territory, and Oakland was able to convert the turnover into a 44-yard-field goal and extend the lead to 17-0 going into halftime.
In the third quarter, the Raiders blocked a Nick Novak field goal try but strangely, Chargers tight end Ladarius Green was able to recover it and turn it into a first down. A few plays later, Rivers hit rookie Keenan Allen for a touchdown, but it was reversed, as officials said Allen's left knee never touched in the end zone. A delay-of-game penalty pushed the Chargers to 3rd-and-12, and San Diego settled for a field goal, getting their first points ont the board with 4:51 left to play in the third quarter.
Bad turned to worse when Woodhead fumbled on the Chargers' next possession and Oakland returned it for touchdown, extending the lead to 24 points. The Chargers were able to build a rhythm with the next drive and scored a touchdown on a 51-yard reception from Rivers to wide receiver Vincent Brown.
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Early in the fourth quarter, Keenan Allen scored a second touchdown for the Chargers, and San Diego closed the gap 24-17. The Raiders rallied for a 50-yard field goal with about four minutes left to play in the game, widening their lead to 10 points.
The Chargers rallied back, driving down the field to the end zone, but Rivers was picked off. He would be intercepted one more time before the game ended, bringing his stat line to three interceptions on the night and five for the season.
The Raiders finished the game 27-17, despite Rivers throwing for 411 yards.
In the end, the Chargers were plagued by penalties, turnovers, sloppy play and an overall lackluster performance. Although they rallied in the second half, it wasn't enough to overturn a mostly slow performance by the team.
If you're looking for a silver lining, though: Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Vincent Brown combined for 14 receptions and 232 yards. It's a small, but promising sign for San Diego's offense.
