Chargers Throttle Raiders, 34-10

Although the final score made the game appear as a rout, the game was still up for grabs for most of 3 quarters. The halftime score was 17-10 Chargers, but the Raiders went three and out twice in the third quarter wheras the Chargers controlled the ball and began to widen the score.

Tomlinson got banged up and missed the last Charger possession before the half, but was back in the second half. Brees looked good. Gates caught a touchdown, but I still think is a little slowed by the ankle injury he got 2 weeks ago. Defense played fairly good, especially after the first quarter. Kerry Collins, for the Raiders, stinks.

This was one of those 'trap' games for the Chargers. A team never can write off a rival no matter their record, but looking at the two teams this year, one would think that the Chargers should have had no problem with the Raiders and I was glad to see that was the case. But many times a 'strong' team will take for granted a lesser division foe, play less then stellar football and lose a game that they should have won. But with the AFC playoff picture in its current state, the Chargers can not afford to be losing any games...especially ones they should win.

With the Steelers losing, the Chargers move into the 6th seed in the AFC playoff picture. More importantly, the Broncos lost to the Chiefs which puts the Chargers only a game out of the division lead. The Chargers remaining schedule is Miami, @Indy, @KC and Denver. A sweep of all those games would mean the Chargers would finish the season on an 8 game win streak with an overall record of 12-4 and would win the AFC West... man that would be sweet, but that Indy game is going to be tough.

Chargers need to stay focused, take care of Miami this weekend and prepare for what might be the biggest game of their season...at Indy...

Go Chargers!