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Charge Complete: Chargers Get a Leg Up on Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers have seen this before. The clock runs down late in the fourth quarter. The field goal unit comes on in hopes of saving the day with a kick through the uprights. Twice this year, the Chargers have found themselves on the heartbreaking end of that scenario. On Sunday, the Bolts enjoyed a much different result.

Chargers kicker Nick Novak welcomed himself back into the Bolts fold by kicking the game-winning, 32-yard field goal to beat the Oakland Raiders 17-16 Sunday at the Oakland Coliseum.

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers finished the game 25-of-36 for 268 yards, one touchdown and no turnovers. Tight end Hunter Henry hauled in five catches for 90 yards. However, the ‘game ball’ ultimately belonged to running back Melvin Gordon. Number 28 compiled 150 total yards from scrimmage, a career-high nine receptions and two total touchdowns.

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was back in action, despite being sidelined last week against the Baltimore Ravens with a back injury. His first pass attempt of the game was picked off by Chargers cornerback Trevor Williams. However, the Bolts failed to capitalize on the turnover, as Novak missed a 48-yard field goal. Oakland fared much better on their second possession of the game into an 11-play, 62-yard drive, which ended with a 23-yard touchdown reception from Carr to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The Raiders took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter.

The Bolts defense made its presence felt, once again, as defensive end Joey Bosa racked up his fifth sack of the season on Carr. The Chargers offense used 14 plays to get down to the Raiders’ half-yard line. On fourth down, Gordon’s one-yard touchdown run (along with a Novak extra-point) tied the game at 7-7. However, Cordarrelle Patterson returned the ensuing kickoff 39 yards to set up a 44 yard field goal by Raiders kicker Giorgio Tavecchio. The Raiders would take a 10-7 lead into halftime.

Chargers linebacker, Hayes Pullard, intercepted Carr on the opening drive of the third quarter. However, the Bolts offense was once again unable to capitalize. The third quarter would be a see-saw matchup, ending with neither team being able to put any points on the board.

After stopping the Raiders on downs to open the fourth quarter, the Chargers offense took over at their own 41-yard line. Rookie wide receiver Mike Williams, making his NFL debut, caught a 15-yard pass from Rivers on a crucial 3rd and 6 to earn a first down. Just five plays later, Gordon caught a six-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to give the Chargers their first lead of the game.

The Raiders would strike back on their next possession. Patterson once again showcased his speed as he dashed for a 47-yard touchdown run to give the Raiders a 16-14 lead after an extra-point miss by Tavecchio. It was a miss that would eventually come back to haunt Oakland. Rivers was able to drive his team to the Oakland red zone. After a couple of failed touchdown attempts, Nick Novak came on to kick the game winner. This time, there was no block. There was no miss. The kick was finally good…and the Chargers improved to 2-4 on the season.

 

NEXT UP

The Chargers host another divisional rival, the Denver Broncos, next Sunday, Oct. 22nd at StubHub Center. In their first meeting, the Broncos edged the Bolts 24-21 in Week One on September 11.

 

-Mike D’Abate is the Managing Editor for cover32.com/Chargers and covers the Los Angeles Chargers and New England Patriots. He is also a National Content Writer and covers the NFL for cover32.com.
Follow @MG973024
Follow @cover32_LAC


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