WRs Jackson, Naanee prove they're game - SignOnSanDiego.com
Jackson made a twisting, 15-yard touchdown catch to give the Chargers the lead with 7:22 left, and after the Raiders stormed back to regain the lead, Naanee, by the length of his fingertips, caught a pass at his ankles. He raced 23 yards to the Oakland 32 – the biggest play leading up to Darren Sproles'5-yard touchdown run that sealed the win.
The final two drives by the Chargers marked a stunning turnaround by an offense that sputtered through much of the first three quarters. In those final two possessions, Rivers completed 10-of-12 passes for 144 yards and a 144.4 quarterback rating. Before that, Rivers was 14-of-24 for 108 yards and a 52.1 rating.
Bolts look sick, Raiders sicker - SignOnSanDiego.com
The Chargers lost rookie starting guard Louis Vasquez (knee) in the third quarter and that soon was followed by center Nick Hardwick being taken off in a cart, his left leg damaged. With rookie Tyronne Green inactive, that left them without another available offensive lineman.
Far be it for me to see the glass half-empty, but if these two guys are gone for the season – or a considerable length of time – that could be it for this team. These guys weren't blocking anybody when they were healthy. To lose both starters would be catastrophic.
It would take some terribly creative work by General Manager A.J. Smith to make up for their loss. This isn't March, and offensive lines don't hatch in 24 hours.
Tweet, tweet: Chargers fail to live up to hype - SignOnSanDiego.com
The final score will camouflage some of this. It made it easier for Chargers fans to rationalize some rough patches, to cling to excitement rather than yield to exasperation, to trust that a road opener is not always indicative of the path a team will follow. It means Chargers coach Norv Turner might make it through lunch today without some talk-show type wondering if his job is in jeopardy.
Norv Turner: Not Much To Say On Injuries
After a physical game in Oakland, Chargers head coach Norv Turner was playing coy during his Tuesday press conference about a series of injuries that ripped through his squad.