Oakland Raiders: 30 Iconic Moments In Franchise History

Sep 20, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; A general view of footballs stacked on the field during warm-ups prior to the game between the St. Louis Rams and the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

12. December 8, 1963 – Raiders Blitz the Chargers

Perhaps nobody realized it at the time, but the 1963 season was the start of big things for the Raiders as a franchise. Al Davis – coming over from the Chargers – took over as head and general manager. Only George Halas had held both positions at a younger age than Davis was when he took over at 33 years old.

After three miserable years, the Raiders had posted a 9-33 record. With Davis at the helm, Oakland opened the 1963 season with a win – the first time in their franchise history they’d accomplished the feat.

The Chargers came to Oakland in December of that year looking for a little revenge – the Raiders had defeated the Chargers earlier in the season, 34-33 for their first win in what would become a long-running rivalry.

And San Diego came out firing on all cylinders, taking a commanding 27-10 lead into the fourth quarter. It was going to be a quarter to remember for both franchises as the Raiders used some explosive offensive plays, solid defense, and parlayed turnovers into points. They chipped away and chipped away until they left the Chargers stunned and red faced.

All told, in just eleven minutes and forty two seconds of actual possession time, the Raiders scored 31 points and notched a thrilling, improbably 41-27 come from behind win.

Next: January 19, 2002