After a slow start on Thursday night, the Oakland Raiders have dominated the San Diego Chargers in every facet of the game and lead 17-3 at half time.
The Chargers scored first on a 20-yard field goal from Nick Novak. Other than that, not too much has gone right for San Diego. Philip Rivers is 4-for-11 with just 44 passing yards. Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews have four carries a piece and have combined for just 39 yards on the ground. No player has more than one catch, and after his monster game last week, Vincent Jackson does not have a catch.
Michael Bush led the way early for the Raiders and scored the first touchdown of the game, hurdling the goal line to give his team a 7-3 lead. After being held at the two yard line, Sebastian Janikowski converted on a 23-yard field goal early in the second quarter.
The big play of the game came with less than two minutes remaining in the half. Carson Palmer, who finally looks like the quarterback Oakland thought they were signing a few weeks ago, hit Denarius Moore for a 33-yard touchdown strike to put the Raiders up 17-3.
On the defensive side of the ball, Kamerion Wimbley has stolen the show with three sacks. He is continually getting pressure on Rivers and he has had little time to operate in the pocket.
San Diego attempted to mount a final-minute drive, but they fell short around midfield. Palmer took a knee to the loud applause of the many Raider fans in attendance at Qualcomm Stadium.