For the last decade or so this was the week we could make a bunch of Raiders jokes. They’ve been so bad for so long that it’s almost become an involuntary action like breathing or disliking Tom Brady.
That is no longer the case. Oakland is not only on the right track, they’re a dangerous football team. The Raiders had the Broncos on the ropes two weeks ago and handed a game away to the Bears. Much like the Chargers, the Silver and Black could be a 1-loss team right now.
They have young talent at the skill positions and an emerging pass rushing demon in Khalil Mack. Head coach Jack Del Rio is installing some toughness and once Oakland learns how to close games they’ll be a force in the AFC West again. The question is will that knowledge be obtained on Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium?
The answer can be found in our three players to watch.
Orlando Franklin, LG
Mack has the ability to have quarterbacks reaching for the Ibuprofen after games. Franklin was the Chargers’ big free agent acquisition over the off-season and was playing average football until an ankle injury in Minnesota sidelined him for the next three games. Franklin is back, and should be properly motivated. But his impact will likely be bigger in the run game than pass protection. When he was in Denver you could see Franklin finishing blocks well down the field, exactly the aggression and hustle you want from your guards. Franklin is going to have to be the mauler the Bolts were hoping he was when he signed to spring Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead and give the Bolts offense some balance.
Jahleel Addae, S
Eric Weddle is going to miss his first game since the 2009 season. There is not a single guy on the San Diego defense who was around to see that, which means this is the first game anyone on the D will play a game in a Chargers uniform without Eric Weddle. The defensive captain has not been impressive this season but he is still the guy who helps move players in to position and get younger guys where they’re supposed to be. Addae and Jimmy Wilson will be starting at safety. They formed a strong bond in training camp and made each other better players. Their combination on the back end makes the Chargers younger, faster and more physical but less experienced. We’ll see how the trade works out.
Jacoby Jones, WR/KR
This guy is itching to take one back. Jones got hurt in the season opener and has only played the last two games. With most kickoffs going through the end zone and only a few punt return chances Jones has tried to make things happen and it just hasn’t happened. But the home run threat is still there. Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski is only averaging 62 yards per kickoff, second-worst in the NFL this year. A Chargers – Raiders game or two has been decided by some crazy before. A kickoff of punt return TD would do wonders to help the Bolts get over this year.
Derek’s Prediction
The Chargers need this game more than the Raiders do. Philip Rivers is coming off a 503-yard passing game but more importantly, he’s only turned the ball over once in three games. Rivers will continue to take care of the football (and hopefully so will Gordon) and control the clock to just barely edge a rapidly improving Raiders team.
Final score: Chargers 16, Raiders 13
