Score: OAK 10 SD 10
Alright welcome in to the halftime report of the divisional game between the Raiders and the Chargers where it is all deadlocked at 10 a piece.
A meaningless game for the Raiders and a meaningful game for the Chargers. Obviously San Diego is still alive in the playoff race with Miami suffering a shutout loss and so far, New England is dominating Baltimore 17-0. However, the Raiders are trying to play spoilers because after all, this is still a divisional game and this game and the next game against the Broncos are all for pride.
Some of the positives this game, the running game and the run defense. Rashad Jennings had 5 carries that half for 23 yards, I liked that beautiful power run he made after a screen pass by McGloin deep within our own endzone to get the first down. Darren McFadden 4 carries for 8 yards and a TD. Run DMC is likely gone after the end of this season, but if we can sign him for cheap, he'll likely be a short run situation and he's displayed that in his run TD this game. This is a Charger team that is underrated in the run defense and for the most part the Raiders have done a solid job running the ball against this team. The run defense only allowed 28 yards and a TD by Ryan Matthews and 11 yard run by Danny Woodhead. I've seen good penetration from our linemen, when Matthews is healthy, he's also an explosive runner, but the run D for the most part kept him in check aside from that TD obviously cashed in after a McGloin INT.
The negatives most of the game, the penalties. The Raiders committed 7 penalties for 39 yards in contrast to the Chargers 1 for 14 on a PI call. Like I said in my reaction we are gifting the Chargers with penalties, obvious neutral zone infractions by Jason Hunter and Pat Sims extending the defensive drive. The Veldheer penalties on offense were huge with a false start and a hold and that lead to the McGloin INT. Penalties hurt and are part of the game, but we don't want the Chargers to cash in on those penalties and luckily they're not shooting us yet.
It's all tied at 10. Chargers have the ball to start the 2nd half, just compete and strike a dagger to the Chargers' playoff hopes.
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