The Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers sat tied for the AFC West lead along with the Kansas City Chiefs 24 hours ago. One day later, the Raiders have broken ranks with a 24-17 win over the Chargers last night that brought Carson Palmer his first win as a Raider and sent the Chargers reeling to their fourth straight loss.
The first Thursday night football game of the season featured defenses that locked down a scoreless fourth quarter, holding Phil Rivers from any last minute heroics and saving Palmer’s two touchdown effort for the win. Palmer finished 14 of 20 for 299 yards. Rivers finished 23 of 47 for 274 yards and two touchdowns and one interception.
The story of the night was Michael Bush, however, who made everyone forget for at least one day about the loss of Darren McFadden. Bush has always been a strong talent in the Raiders backfield and he rushed for 157 yards on 30 carries, including a 44 yarder early in the game.
Kamerion Wimbley had an incredible four sacks and the Raiders had six total, giving Rivers fits all night long. The Raiders now hold a one game edge over everyone else in the division and the Chiefs can match them if they beat the Broncos on Sunday.