Raiders Defense Shows Its Teeth Again

After getting pushed around two straight weeks, the Oakland Raiders’ defense finally stood up and pushed back. If it’s not yet a bully, the defensive unit at least acted like one at times Thursday night in Oakland’s 24-17 victory over the Chargers in San Diego. After consecutive poor efforts against the Chiefs and Broncos in which the team slid from 4-2 to 4-4, the Raiders defense sacked Philip Rivers six times and held fast at the end as San Diego mounted a comeback. Safety Mike Giordano’s interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter, with Oakland protecting a seven-point lead, ensured the victory that put the Raiders in first place in the AFC West. In the first half, Oakland held the Chargers to 65 total yards and just three first downs as it built a 17-3 lead. But in the second half, San Diego got back in the game, driving for a TD on its first possession. And, after trading scores, the Chargers were just a touchdown back as San Diego found holes in ...