trodgers Game 5 Preview

Game 5 Preview
OAKLAND RAIDERS (2-2, 1st, AFC WEST) AT SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (2-3, T-2nd, AFC WEST)

OVERVIEW: A slow start by the other AFC West teams has put the Raiders in first place in their division for the first time in a long while. While the Chargers got some things going last week and now look formidable, the Raiders had an extra week off to recover and prepare for Tomlinson. This is a huge game, where a Raiders win would put some distance between them and the rest of the pack.

QUARTERBACK: McCown rides the pine again while Daunte Culpepper, fresh off of some tasty vengeance against the Dolphins, looks to lead the Raiders against a defense that sacked Raiders QBs repeatedly last season, making the offensive line look like a bunch of middle schoolers. Food for thought: in his last matchup against SD, Culpepper threw for 370 yards, 4 TDs, and 1 INT. He added 42 yards on the ground.
Daunte Culpepper 16 completions, 202 yards, 1.7 TD, 1 INT

RUNNING BACK: With LaMont Jordan doubtful for the next game, and facing one of the better run Ds in the NFL, the Raiders’ potent ground game may be handcuffed. Dominic Rhodes is back so he and Fargas pose a still competent duo, but neither has as much experience as the featured back in the Raiders’ offense as Jordan does.
[b]Rhodes[/b]: 11 carries, 47 yards, .4 TD as well as 2 grabs for 19 yards

RECEIVERS: Through 5 games, 7 different receivers have put up at least 70 yards through the air against San Diego. Through 4 games, the Raiders have only seen two WRs pick up at least 70 yards in a game. The passing game behind Culpepper has been largely less impressive than it was under McCown, but the passing game should play a larger role in this one.
[b]Ronald Curry[/b]: 3 receptions, 29 yards
[b]Jerry Porter[/b]: 4 receptions, 43 yards, 0.5 TD
[b]Zach Miller[/b]: 1 reception, 13 yards

SPECIAL TEAMS: Sebastian Janikowski has poor career numbers against San Diego (68% on FGs), but he hasn’t missed a kick in his last two games. His play is going to be crucial against the Chargers. Punter Shane Lechler is just awesome. SD Chargers KR Darren Sprowles is one of my favorite return men in the league, but it’s more for style than results. On the other side of the return game, Carr and Higgins continue to suck pretty horribly.

DEFENSE: Philip Rivers hasn’t done very much against the Raiders, and if the Raiders can pressure him, Rivers will fold. The massive problem, however, is LaDanian Tomlinson. LT averages 140 yards of offense per game against the Raiders and has totaled 14 TDs in those 12 games. He simply crushes the Raiders. With just one 100 yard game this season, LT has bee stymied a bit. He is absolutely the key to success. If Oakland can hold him under 100 yards of offense, they increase their odds of success greatly.
[b]Defense[/b]: 1.6 INTs, 1.8 Sacks

PREDICTION: This really is a game that could go either way, but much more importantly, it is a game that will indicate where the Raiders stand. A tight game shows that Oakland is much more competitive than they were a season ago, a Raiders win means that they’re for real, but a loss shows that they’re not quite there yet. Unfortunately, Raiders fans, I’m seeing a loss.

Raiders 21
Chargers 30