Oakland Raiders v. LA Chargers: Six Things That Must Happen

Do Not Let Rivers Get Hot

If there is one thing this Raiders defense cannot afford, it’s letting Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers get into a rhythm and get hot.

When Rivers is on, he can carve up a defense with the best of them. It’s a fact the Raiders know well, given that in 22 career games against them, Rivers is 18-4, has thrown for 5,400 yards on a 63 percent completion rate, 37 touchdowns against 18 interceptions.

Thanks to some close calls and flukey plays, the Chargers are off to a 1-4 start. But make no mistake, this team never fails to play the Raiders tough. They’re never an easy out. And if Oakland wants to stop their three-game skid, they’re going to have to bring their A game.

The best way to notch a win today is to go after the head of the snake – Rivers. If they can get to Rivers, hit him early and often, get him off-balance, and out of rhythm, they’ll give themselves a puncher’s chance.

If they don’t, if they give him too much time and let him sit comfortably in the pocket, they’re going to pay a steep price because Rivers can and will cut them to ribbons.

With talent on offense in Melvin Gordon, Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin, Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry, and the debut of rookie Mike Williams, the Chargers are pretty stacked on that side of the ball.

It’s a fact that should make the Raiders, with a creaky secondary, nervous.

But that multitude of weapons becomes meaningless if they can get to Rivers and put him down. After all, he can’t throw the ball if he’s flat on his back, right?

Oakland’s defensive front, led by Khalil Mack, Bruce Irvin, and Mario Edwards Jr., needs to step up and put some real heat on Rivers. It’s beyond critical that they not let him get settled and get into a rhythm.

Otherwise, it might just be another long, frustrating afternoon.