Chargers got man-handled by the Raiders


After four straight wins, including the beating they gave the Colts last week, the Chargers seemed poised for to make another strong late run for the playoffs. Their offense had been awesome and so were the defense.

But yesterday's man-handling by the Raiders was a shocked, putting a serious crimp in the playoff hopes for the Chargers.

Jason Campbell who has beed pretty bad this year, ran for one touchdown and threw for another, and Oakland's running game, which had been non-existent in consecutive losses, piled up 251 yards.

The didn't start well for the Charger, as they turned the ball over two time in the first quarter is which the Raiders turned in to touchdowns.

The Chargers, which had gotten two straight 100-yard games from Mike Tolbert, had just 21 yards rushing, tied for seventh-lowest in team history. Tolbert had only 16 yards on seven carries.

The Raiders swept the season series for the first time since 2001.

The Chargers (6-6) are tied with Oakland for second in the division, two games behind the Chiefs with four to play. If the Chargers lose to the Chiefs next Sunday, their playoff chances would be pretty much over. Kansas City surprised San Diego 21-14 on opening night and would hold the big tiebreakers if it beats the Chargers again.

The Chargers' streak of 18 straight December victories -- which tied an NFL record for most victories in any month -- has ended with yesterday's loss. The Chargers had been tied with the 1970-74 Miami Dolphins, who won 18 straight in Novembers.

The Chargers corrected their problems during a four-game winning streak, but then reverted to the form that showed during an ugly 2-5 start. Darren Sproles fumbled a punt early in the first quarter and the Raiders recovered at the Chargers' 18. On fourth-and-1 from the 9, the Raiders fooled the Chargers with a fake up the middle by fullback Marcel Reece while Campbell ran it in for an easy touchdown.

On the next Chargers possession, Philip Rivers overthrew Malcom Floyd and the ball went right to a Raiders' safety, who returned it 15 yards to the Chargers' 41. Campbell completed the drive with a 4-yard TD pass for a 14-0 lead.

The Chargers cut the gap to 21-13 on a 33-yard field goal by Kaeding in the third quarter and Rivers' 4-yard scoring pass to wide-open Antonio Gates with 9:59 left.

The Raiders scored a TD again with 4:35 left in the game making the final score 28-13.

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