IN SPORTS: RAIDERS WIN TO STAY IN PLAYOFF HUNT
CARSON — The Raiders flipped the second-half script, snapped a four-game losing streak and stayed alive for an NFL playoff berth Sunday with a 24-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park.
It was the last game for the Chargers at their temporarily home before becoming tenants of the Rams next season, and the first time the Raiders have won there despite a decided home-field advantage in terms of rooting interest.
The Raiders have had issues in the second half this season, the third quarter in particular, as was the case in last week’s 20-16 loss to Jacksonville in the Coliseum.
But the Raiders drove 75-yard with their first possession of the second half, taking 8:49 off the clock, with DeAndre Washington scoring on a 6-yard run. A later 75-yard drive ending in Daniel Carlson’s 48-yard field goal ate another 7:36 of clock time.
Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen was injured in a collision with teammate Curtis Riley just before the two-minute warning and was taken from the field on a stretcher.
The Raiders also lost slot corner Lamarcus Joyner and corner Nick Nelson during the course of the game and went into it without running back Josh Jacobs, guard Richie Incognito and tackle Trent Brown.
Studs — Derek Carr: Put together a flawless two-minute drill after the Raiders had given up the game-tying touchdown to the Chargers.
Taking over with 1:47 to play in the half, Carr completed 8 of 9 passes for 72 yards, his only
incomplete pass a throw-away near the goal line, and scored on a 3-yard rollout to his right to put the Raiders up 14-7.
Carr finished the half 16 of 20 for 217 yards and the 56-yard touchdown pass to Renfrow on the opening drive. He was 26 of 30 for 291 yards and no turnovers in the game.
DeAndre Washington: Took over as the lead ballcarrier with Josh Jacobs out of the lineup and produced some tough runs, including a 6-yard touchdown run on the Raiders’ opening possession of the second half. Washington closed out the game with a first down and finished 85 yards on 23 carries.
Hunter Renfrow: On the Raiders opening possession, Carr found Renfrow on a slant pass and the rookie found nothing but green grass in front of him. It went for a 56-yard scoring play. Renfrow had missed the previous three games with a broken rib sustained against the New York Jets.
Renfrow also had key catches on the Raiders late first half touchdown drive and had five receptions for 96 yards in the half.
Gruden said during the week Renfrow would play, but hinted only of “getting him on the grass” and there was no indication his role would be substantial.
Clelin Ferrell: A fourth-quarter sack of Philip Rivers put the Chargers into a thirdand-20 play which led to a punt and the Raiders getting the ball back with a two-score lead. Ferrell has 3.5 of his 4.5 sack total against the Chargers this season.
Run defense: The Chargers tried, but got nowhere on the ground. They had 16 carries for 19 yards into the third quarter
Duds — Raiders penalties: The Raiders defense was doing good work against the Chargers, but three penalties led to a 78-yard, eight-play drive by the Chargers and a 1-yard touchdown run by Melvin Gordon.
The first was a debatable pass interference flag against Nevin Lawson against Mike Williams on a pass well over their heads. That was on third-and-9. Then came another first down on a five-yard illegal contact by Lawson. Finally, Keisean Nixon intefered with Williams in the end zone to set up Gordon.
Two-minute pass defense: The Raiders allowed the Chargers to drive the length of the field late in the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead, with defenders allowing receptions at the boundary which enabled the clock to stop after each Rivers completion. The Raiders did stiffen, but Michael Badgley kicked a 27yard field goal to make it 24-17 with 1:29 left.
Raiders pass protection: It got better on the last drive of the half, but Carr was sacked three times, with Melvin Ingram III getting 1 { and Bosa getting one. The Raiders replaced right tackle Brandon Parker with David Sharpe midway through the second quarter.