Raiders vs. Chargers: 5 Adjustments Oakland Must Make in the 2nd Half

In a battle that has huge playoff implications, the Chargers and Raiders are meeting in San Diego on Thursday Night Football. The AFC West is one of the most competitive conferences in the NFL this year. Whoever wins this game will be that much closer to a playoff berth. Here are five adjustments Oakland must make to take this pivotal matchup on the road:

1. Three-and-Outs

The Raiders' first drive of the day consisted of two failed pass attempts and a run that gained nothing. They have a tendency of not scoring on their first drive. If they can reverse that trend in the second half, they'll keep their momentum from being squashed.

2. Stop the Run

Ryan Matthews is not looking too shabby so far tonight. The Raiders defense has to find a way to keep up with him and keep him behind the line of scrimmage, especially on first down situations. Philip Rivers is too good a passer to allow the Chargers to beat them on the ground as well.

3. Pass Rush

Speaking of Rivers, the Raiders have done an alright job of keeping him contained. With the threat of the long ball always there, they'll need to keep the pressure up and force Rivers into the mistakes we all know he's capable of making.

4. Penalties

Holding... Holding... The Raiders drive in the middle of the second quarter was derailed by two successive offensive holding calls. They are already the most penalized team in the league, as usual. It may be too much to hope they don't commit dumb penalties in the second half, but a man can dream.

5. More Michael Bush

This guy has been a beast tonight, and is well on his way to 100-plus yards. More of him, please.