Chargers use late kick by Nick Novak to beat Raiders
OAKLAND — The records for the Los Angeles Chargers and Oakland Raiders are the same after six games. Their moods couldn’t be much different, and that reflects the way these teams arrived at 2-4.
The Chargers pulled out their second consecutive close win after four agonizing losses to open the season, getting a 32-yard field goal from Nick Novak on the final play to hand the Raiders their fourth straight loss, 17-16 on Sunday.
“I think the key thing is, let it build. Let it build and also remind each other, ‘Hey, we’re 2-4. We have a ways to go,”’ quarterback Philip Rivers said. “But let it build. Shoot, who cares? Let’s play like we haven’t lost and see if we can win a third. Just approach it that way. I think we’ve done that the last two weeks. I didn’t know 2-4 could feel as good as it feels.”
The Raiders couldn’t feel much worse right now as they have gone from Super Bowl contenders following two straight wins to open the season to last place following their fourth loss in a row.
Even the return of quarterback Derek Carr from a back injury that sidelined him last week couldn’t help the cause. Carr threw for only 171 yards and had two interceptions as Oakland’s potent offense failed to top 17 points for the fourth straight game.
“I’m frustrated. And not in a bad way,” Carr said. “I’m not changing anything I do. I know how to work. I know how to study. I know how to play this game. Everyone has talent, it just comes down to everyone locking in every detail of this offense.”
Just for kicks: The Chargers lost two games already this season on late missed field goals from former kicker Younghoe Koo. Novak was signed last week and delivered the game-winner in his second game back with the franchise.