Chargers face tough test against Raiders
OAKLAND: The Los Angeles Chargers, coming off their best performance of 2019, will attempt to add another victory tomorrow morning, Thai time, when they visit the surprising Oakland Raiders.
The Chargers’ 26-11 home rout of Green Bay on Sunday wasn’t close. The Packers’ only touchdown came with just over six minutes left, after Los Angeles led 26-3.
At 4-5, Los Angeles are two games behind division-leading Kansas City with seven contests left, including two against the Chiefs. But first the Chargers will oppose Oakland (4-4), who have surpassed very low expectations behind the play of rookie running back Josh Jacobs and a strong offensive line.
If Sunday is any indication, the Raiders’ line might want to buckle up. The Chargers handcuffed Green Bay with dominant play from the front seven, unleashing pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers all day.
A repeat performance on short rest and a short trip to the Bay Area might be a tough ask, particularly against one of the league’s most improved teams.
With Jacobs pounding away for 740 rushing yards in his first eight games (tops among NFL rookies) and quarterback Derek Carr enjoying a bounceback from a moribund 2018, the Raiders have equalled last year’s win total at this season’s midpoint.
“There’s a great belief because when you think about this team, we only won four games last year,” defensive back Lamarcus Joyner said. “And at the halfway mark this year, we’re 4-4.