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Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: 3 things to watch in Week 16

By Micah McDonald

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Zay Jones #12 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by the linebacker Drue Tranquill #49 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Zay Jones #12 of the Oakland Raiders is tackled by the linebacker Drue Tranquill #49 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 22: Richie Incognito #64 of the Oakland Raiders leves the field after a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 34-14. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 22: Richie Incognito #64 of the Oakland Raiders leves the field after a game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 34-14. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Oakland offensive line VS. Chargers defensive line

One of the biggest strengths this year for the Raiders has been their offensive line. With center Rodney Hudson and right tackle Trent Brown both making the Pro Bowl, and newcomer Richie Incognito making it in as an alternate, they have been as powerful and as dominating as any front line in the league. That all of course hinging on the fact that everyone is healthy. The Raiders have seen Trent Brown miss both of the last two games, leaving struggling second year man Brandon Parker to fill his shoes.

In turn it looks like Parker will have to step up for the remainder of the season, as Jon Gruden announced Wednesday Trent Brown will be placed on IR.

Lining up across from them this week is one of the better defensive end combinations in the league with Joey Bosa on one side and Melvin Ingram on the other. With the duo combining for 15 sacks so far this season, the Raiders offensive line will have their hands full protecting Derek Carr, who has been sacked 6 times in the last 2 games, 4 of them coming in the loss to the Jaguars last week.

The last time these two teams met, the Chargers were able to get to Carr 3 times, two coming from Ingram. Now with Brown on the IR and rookie running back sensation Josh Jacobs already ruled out as well, the offensive line is going to need to play mistake free football if they want to walk out of Los Angeles with a victory.

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