Story line: Raiders coach Lane Kiffin is desperate to get his team to
show up for the final game, so he's come up with a rally cry of sorts -
second-chance sweep. The Raiders were 0-3 the first time around in the
AFC West, but have won the first two rematches with an eye on a 3-0
finish. The Chargers are playing for the No. 3 seed, so this won't be easy.
When the Chargers have the ball: LaDainian Tomlinson can base his Hall
of Fame application on his body of work against the Raiders alone. They
can't catch him, track him or tackle him. He won't shut it down for this
finale because he has a narrow lead for the NFL rushing title. The
Raiders' run defense hasn't stopped him yet, and there's no reason to
think they'll do it now. They're just too susceptible to big plays, and
that's what LT does best. The Chargers' offense has scored 130 points
the past four games. The Raiders' defense just gave up 49, and it could
have been 60. Not a good matchup.
When the Raiders have the ball: Rookie quarterback JaMarcus Russell
makes his first NFL start. If he thought last week's three-quarter
shellacking was bad, just wait until he gets a full dose of outside
linebacker Shawne Merriman. The Raiders' offensive line hasn't stopped
the Chargers' blitz in years. Be sure the Chargers will come from every
nook and cranny to confuse Russell, which means bad decisions and
turnovers could be inevitable. Oakland needs to stay committed to the
run with Dominic Rhodes in hopes of keeping the clock running.
Injuries: Chargers - FB Lorenzo Neal (fibula) out. DE Luis Castillo
(ankle), LB Brandon Siler (shoulder), K Nate Kaeding (fibula), DT Jamal
Williams (ankle), LB Marques Harris (hand) probable. Raiders - WR Tim
Dwight (hamstring), LB Jon Alston (calf) questionable. QB Josh McCown
(left finger) probable.
