The Oakland Raiders Finally End 13-Game Slide Against The San Diego Chargers

In a game that the Oakland Raiders desperately needed, they used all phases of the game to end their 13-game losing streak to the San Diego Chargers

The Raiders came out in the first quarter with incredible special teams play. Rock Cartwright blocked a Mike Scifres punt that rolled into and out of the end zone for a safety. Later in the quarter, Hiram Eugene returned another blocked punt five yards for a touchdown. The Black Hole was alive in the first quarter as the Raiders took a surprising 12-0 lead heading into the second quarter.

The 12-point lead did not last long, as Philip Rivers threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Antonio Gates in the second quarter. This was the beginning of an amazing day for Rivers, as he threw for an astounding 431 yards against a solid Raiders pass defense. Later in the second, Mike Tolbert ran it in from four yards out, giving the Bolts a 14-12 lead. Sebastion Janikowski gave Oakland the lead but it was not long before San Diego responded.

The Chargers went into half-time with a 17-15 lead, after a Nate Kaeding field goal.

Chargers' receiver Malcom Floyd caught a 41-yard touchdown toss from Rivers in the third quarter, capping a two play 63-yard drive. Floyd had his way with the Raiders' secondary, catching eight balls for 213 yards and a touchdown.

The Floyd touchdown put the Chargers up by nine in the third quarter, and many thought that it was time for the Raiders to pack it in and call it a day. Backup quarterback Jason Campbell had other ideas in mind. Campbell's number was called after starter Bruce Gradkowski aggravated a shoulder injury.

Campbell responded to the Floyd touchdown with an impressive drive of his own. The former Redskin hit tight end Zach Miller for a 1-yard touchdown, cutting the Chargers' lead to 24-22.

After another Nate Kaeding field goal, the Raiders were down 27-22 in the fourth quarter, and the Raiders had to fight back and score some points. After another impressive drive from the Raider offense, Michael Bush scored from three yards out, giving the Raiders a 28-27 lead. They than failed on the 2-point conversion.

Rivers and the Chargers were driving down field until safety Michael Huff knocked the ball free from Rivers, and Tyvon Branch recovered the ball and returned it 64 yards for a touchdown. This gave the Raiders a 35-27 lead, but the play would be reviewed. After the play stood as a touchdown, the Raiders can taste victory.

The Raider defense stopped the Chargers on a fourth down, sealing their first win against San Diego since 2003.

Backups Jason Campbell and Michael Bush both played very well filling in for injured starters. Campbell stepped in for Gradkowski, completing 13-of-18 for 159 yards and a touchdown. Bush ran well, carrying the ball 26 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. Campbell and Bush led the Raiders to a 35-27 victory, ending their 13-game skid against the Chargers.

The Raiders now sit in second place in the AFC West, and head to San Francisco next week to take on the 0-5 49ers.