Usually there's some kind of in-depth analysis, or a specific angle in these game preview pieces. But, after a bye week that came after a 37-0 loss in Miami that came after a 14-point loss in Denver, there's not a whole lot to analyze.
During their 3-game losing streak the Chargers have been outscored by 54 points.
The Chargers have not scored a point in 23 days.
The Chargers have not recorded a sack in 27 days.
The Chargers have not forced a turnover in 34 days.
All those numbers are tough to swallow, and would suggest they're ripe for another disappointing Sunday. However, there's one more number that trumps all of them:
The Raiders have not won a game in 364 days.
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Here are your three players to watch for when they meet on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium:
Melvin Ingram, OLB
The Bolts have had all kinds of trouble generating something that even loosely resembles a pass rush. Defensive Coordinator John Pagano said during the week their 4-man rush has not been effective, so they've had to try and manufacture pressure in other ways, and that's not working, either. Ingram is back from his hip injury, and could provide the push the San Diego defense needs. He spent a lot of time in Seattle's backfield during the Chargers' Week 2 win and seemed primed for a big season when the injury happened. The Bolts need him to pick up where he left off, or Oakland QB Derek Carr will pick them apart like he did in the first meeting.
Ryan Mathews, RB
Um ... Duh. Branden Oliver was good in a pinch, and provides an instant energy burst when used properly, but he's still an undrafted rookie and not ready to handle 20 carries a game in the NFL. Mathews has been there, done that. Ryan returns from the sprained knee he suffered against Seattle to try and bolster the league's least efficient rushing attack. The offensive line has been banged up and letting far too many defenders in to the backfield. Mathews has the ability to go through a tackler or two and turn a negative play in to a positive one. His ability to to that should help the Chargers on first and second downs so they're facing 3rd and 4 instead of 3rd and 9, which will allow their offense to go back to its clock-killing, point-scoring ways. If not, we're going to see another low number on the scoreboard.
Chris Davis, CB
Davis will get a fair share of the snaps Jason Verrett would have played, but I have him on this list for another reason. Davis was arguably the only positive thing to come out of the Miami loss because of his kickoff return ability. Davis showed a burst that could make him a dangerous return man (just ask Alabama fans what Davis can do), Oakland does not have to cover many kickoffs because Sebastian Janikowski usually blasts the ball through the end zone. But, when a kick is able to be brought out, the Raiders allow 30.8 yards per return, giving them the second-worst coverage team in the NFL. A big return could be the thing the Chargers need to kick-start their offense.
Derek's Prediction
The Raiders are 0-9 and were dismantled by the Broncos a week ago, but this is not going to be a blowout. It rarely is when these old rivals get together. But, while the Raiders do have talented players at a few positions, their roster is nowhere near as potent as the Chargers is, especially now that some of the Bolts are coming back from injuries.
San Diego got a much-needed rest with their well-placed bye week, and are coming in to this game as close to full-strength as they've been all season. While it might take a while to knock off some rust, their fresh legs, and the return of a more patient, less turnover-prone Philip Rivers, will be enough to snap a 3-game losing skid.
Final score: Chargers 23, Raiders 16
