Raiders vs. Chargers: Why San Diego Defense Will Torment Carson Palmer

Despite being lit up by the Green Bay Packers in a 45-38 loss in Week 9, the San Diego Chargers actually possess one of the NFL's top defensive units. On Thursday night against the Oakland, I expect the Bolts to make life difficult for new Raiders' quarterback Carson Palmer.

In his two games with the Silver and Black, Palmer has thrown six interceptions. While he has only been with the team for about three weeks, he simply has to be better than that. In Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, he showed flashes of his former self, completing 19 of 35 passes for 332 yards, with three touchdowns and three interceptions.

While other than the interceptions those numbers look pretty good, the Raiders were facing a Denver defense that ranks 23rd in the league, allowing an average of 258.0 yards per game. 

Tonight, Palmer will be facing a San Diego defense that ranks third in the NFL in pass defense and is surrendering just 191.6 yards per game. With Darren McFadden ruled out of Thursday night's contest, the Chargers know that Oakland will have to pick up a lot of yards through the air. The Bolts will be ready and are sure to put pressure on Oakland's 31-year-old quarterback.

San Diego has had difficulty getting sacks this season, but last week against the Packers, the Bolts picked it up. The Chargers racked up four sacks on Aaron Rodgers and hit him an additional four times.

Most of the pressure came from outside linebacker Antwan Barnes, who has filled in nicely with Shaun Phillips injured and Larry English on injured reserve. In addition to Barnes, Travis LaBoy and former Bears Pro Bowler Tommie Harris both added some steam to San Diego's pass rush last week.

This week, the Chargers will activate former second-round pick Everette Brown, who they picked up over a week ago. Brown was a bust with the Carolina Panthers, but might fit perfectly as an outside linebacker in San Diego's 3-4 defense. 

I expect the Chargers to be in Palmer's face all night, and safety Eric Weddle—who is tied for the NFL lead with five interceptions—will be roaming the secondary looking to grab a pick. 

Palmer will continue to struggle with his timing tonight against such an excellent San Diego pass defense.