The rookies saved the day for the Chargers on Sunday, as they escaped Oakland with a 31-28 victory over the Raiders.
Undrafted rookie running back Branden Oliver scored the game-winning touchdown with under two minutes left in the game, then first-round draft pick Jason Verrett sealed it with an interception near the goal line in the final seconds.
The Raiders had stellar play from a rookie of their own, as Derek Carr threw four touchdowns. The final throw was his only interception of the game.
Philip Rivers tossed three touchdown passes of his own, finishing with 313 passing yards.
Oliver finished the day with 101 rushing yards. The final yard was the most important, as he leaped over the pile at the goal line on the game-winning score.
Malcolm Floyd led the Bolts with five catches for 103. His 5-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter gave the Chargers their first lead of the game, at 14-7.
Eddie Royal and Antonio Gates also caught TD passes for the Chargers, who improve to 5-1 and keep their hold on first place in the AFC West. The Raiders fall to 0-5 and have now lost 11 straight games dating back to last season.
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San Diego State product Brice Butler caught his first career touchdown in the third quarter to give the Raiders a 21-14 lead. He finished with three catches for 64 yards.
