Week 1 - Chargers 27 Raiders 0

Week 1 of the 2006 NFL season is in the books and the last game of the opening week had the Chargers in Oakland as part of a Monday Night Football double-header.

There really wasn't much of a game. The offensive and defensive lines of the Chargers totally dominated the Raiders. Marty-ball was on full display. It was Tomlinson, Tomlinson and more Tomlinson. LaDainian had over 100 yards rushing in the first half (89 in the first quarter).

Many of us Charger fans were anxious to see how Phillip Rivers would do since it was his first start with the team and unfortunately we will have to wait at least another week to really get a good look at Rivers. Winning the first game of the '06 season is great but not many more games will be won this year with the game plan the Chargers had. One-dimensional and an almost obvious distrust in Rivers.

When Rivers was allowed to pass he looked pretty sharp. A deep ball to Parker, a 3rd down conversion to McCardell and a short-yardage touchdown to Gates. In the end though, Rivers was 8 for 11 and passed for just over 100 yards.

The defense was extremely impressive and Shawne Merriman was on a tear recording 3 sacks out of the 7 total the Chargers put on the Raiders. It wasn't long after the game got underway that it became clear the Raiders' offensive line would not be able to handle Chargers blitz and what made the blitz work last night, where in years past it had failed, was because the secondary was in excellent coverage all night.

It's difficult to say how good the Chargers were in their season opener because of how poor the Raiders were on both sides of the ball. Next week is the Chargers home opener against Tennessee and Charger fans like myself would like to see some more Phillip Rivers worked into the playcalling...especially when you have an all-pro tight end in Antonio Gates on your side. If Marty continues to put the bulk of the workload on Tomlinson's shoulders, he will be run down by week 12.

Good win for the Chargers but definately not an exciting one. Shutting the Raiders out at home hadn't been done since the early 90's. With the Chiefs and Broncos both losing over the weekend means that it is official... the Chargers are in sole possession of the AFC West lead after week 1!