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Raiders crushed by Chargers in season finale, 30-10: Highlights, recap

By John Buhler

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Keenan Allen
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Keenan Allen /
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The Los Angeles Chargers crushed the Oakland Raiders on Sunday afternoon in Week 17, 30-10. Here are all the highlights, the game recap and final score.

Even though Raider Nation showed up in droves at the StubHub Center in Carson, their mere presence was not enough to lift the Oakland Raiders to a Week 17 victory over the division rival Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers won easily, as they crushed the Raiders to the tune of 30-10.

Los Angeles stays alive in the AFC West wild card race, albeit maybe only momentarily. The Chargers finish the year at 9-7. That’s impressive given that they started the year out in an 0-4 hole. Oakland finishes its dreadful 2017 NFL campaign at 6-10, having lost its last four games.

The Raiders were actually leading at one point in this game. They took the lead on a 40-yard field goal off the toe of kicker Giorgio Tavecchio in the second quarter at 10-7. However, the Chargers would score 20 points in the second quarter to take a 20-10 lead into the half and never looked back.

That was all she wrote for the Raiders. Outside of the offense’s quest to get running back Marshawn Lynch over 98 yards on the ground to reach 10,000 career rushing yards, it was dismal effort in the second half. Quarterback Derek Carr didn’t play horrendously, but was outplayed by the future hall of fame quarterback of the Chargers in Philip Rivers.

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Carr completed 19 of 28 passes for 243 yards, one touchdown and an interception. This was the first time in 2017 where he averaged over 8.0 yards per attempt and did not win the ball game. However, the bulk of his 243 passing yards came on the Raiders’ lone interception of the day. It was a most brilliant 87-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Amari Cooper.

While Cooper had one of his better games of the season, there was no doubt who the best receiver was in this ball game. Keenan Allen showed up big time, as he was the key target for Rivers in the Chargers’ passing game. Not being able to slow down running back Melvin Gordon turned this one into a lopsided affair.

Overall, Oakland’s turnovers were costly and a few miscommunications in the secondary were embarrassing. Let’s be real though. The Chargers really wanted to win this game. They may not make the playoffs, but were certainly good enough to stomp the Raiders to their fourth straight loss and second four-game losing streak of the season. Maybe next year, guys.

Three Stars

  1. Philip Rivers: Rivers completed 28 of 37 passes for 387 yards, three touchdown passes and no interceptions.
  2. Keenan Allen: Allen had nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown.
  3. Joey Bosa: Bosa had five tackles, two solo, two quarterback hits, a sack, a tackle for a loss of yardage and a fumble recovery.

Highlights

What’s Next?

The Tennessee Titans have already clinched a playoff berth by beating the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars. So that’s one of the two wild card spots gone in the AFC. Should the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Cincinnati Bengals, maybe the Chargers get in as the other wild card team? Then again, that 0-4 start to the year probably keeps them out.

Next: Jon Gruden, Rich Gannon could be back with Raiders in 2018

As for the Raiders, it’s full steam ahead into the 2018 offseason. They are going to have a great pick in the upcoming draft. Losing four straight to end the season is a great way to ensure you’ll be picking near the top-10. Expect many changes to happen to this team in the coming days, weeks and months. Just a rough year all the way around for the Silver and Black.

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