The Chargers go up to the not-so friendly confines of Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (aka McAfee Coliseum) to visit the Raiders, their AFC West rivals. The Chargers and Raiders have known each other well over the years and pine for for California bragging rights – especially as division rivals. Both trail the AFC West leading Broncos and cannot afford any steps in reverse.
The Raiders have had the luxury of owning the AFC West’s worst record since their Super Bowl XXXVII loss to the Buccaneers after the 2002 season. Since the 2001 season, the Bolts have owned the Raiders going 10-4 and LaDainian Tomlinson has tortured the Raiders since then.
Key Matchups
Bolts run defense should expect a big test. The Raiders Justin Fargas (groin injury) has been ruled out for week 4; however, don’t forget the Raiders #1 pick in this years draft – Darren McFadden. Although McFadden has a similar toe injury as LT, as of Friday’s injury report – McFadden is listed as questionable; he will get another injection to suppress the pain and is expected to start, assuming he warms up well. Speaking of LT, he should continue his uphill battle from the beginning of the season and mount a decent rushing performance against the Raiders 104 rush yds/game defense. According to the San Diego UT, Tomlinson fully participated in Thursday’s practice, but he is still not 100%.
Phillip Rivers should have another stellar outing – those of you fantasy owners take hint – the Raiders have been giving up over 230 pass yds/game thus far in the early season. Week 1, Oakland gave up nearly 300 yds and 2 TDs to the Broncos, 151 yds in week 2 in a win against KC, and 279 yds last weekend at Buffalo. Rivers was also named the FedEx player of the week on Friday; he passed for 250 yds and 3TDs on Monday night against the Jets.
Nick Hardwick (foot) has participated in both Wednesday and Thursday practices and is extremely close to returning to center for the Bolts and has a chance to see his first action of 2008.
Finally, Antonio Cromartie – what can I say, he was chosen the AFC defensive player of the week for week 3. Great job, but there was room for improvement – see 99%.
Final Note
The defense really needs to step it up in Oakland…the big Jamal Williams did not practice Wednesday because of a knee injury but is expected to start Sunday. This is a divisional must-win game against a Raider team with no personality and a coach on the hot-seat. Al Davis is getting senile in his old age, which does not boast well for the Silver and Black – which means those players come out with a determination to reverse the past four years of losses against a 40+ year rivalry.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | Antonio Cromartie, Bolts, Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson, LT, Phillip Rivers
