Oakland Raiders vs. Chargers Preview: Keys to the Game

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1. Let Mack Attack

Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass as Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) defends during the second half at Qualcomm Stadium. Oakland won 37-29. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Khalil Mack has been on fire of late, recording ten of his fifteen sacks in the last four games, including a monster five-sack game against the Broncos two weeks ago. Last week, Mack had the coldest game of the four-game hot streak, recording only a single sack of Aaron Rodgers in the loss to Green Bay. With the Chargers’ King Dunlap out, Mack should be able to have some success against backup tackle Chris Hairston or whoever else the Chargers trot out there to try to block him.

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While Philip Rivers is generally adept at avoiding pressure and getting rid of the ball quickly, facing the NFL’s top pass-rusher with your starting left tackle out of the game is usually a recipe for a quarterback ending up on his back a lot. Mack should be able to exploit the matchup advantage he will have, and some creativity on the part of Ken Norton, Jr. using blitzes and stunts should ensure that the Chargers can’t have too much success if they dedicate two or three blockers to Mack on every pass attempt. If the secondary can hold San Diego’s receivers in check for just a few seconds, Mack or another Raider rusher should be able to close and finish on multiple occasions.

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