The Los Angeles Chargers made it two wins in a row after beating the Oakland Raiders 17-16.
Game Balls
Offense: Hunter Henry – The tight end had a career day in receiving yards, finishing with 90 on the day. He accrued 57 on the final drive of the game where he had two separate catches that went for 34 and 23 yards to move the chains.
Defense: Trevor Williams – Williams made his presence felt all afternoon, including in the first quarter when he notched his first career interception. Additionally, he had solid coverage on Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree on the team's fourth down attempt early in the fourth quarter that fell incomplete.
Unsung Hero: Darius Philon –Philon had to step in for Corey Liuget when the DT went down in the third quarter, and the defensive line didn't miss a beat. Although they gave up one touchdown from that point forward, they also forced an interception, a turnover on downs and held the Raiders to two punts on their final five possessions.
Stat of the Game:
Melvin Gordon had a career-high nine receptions along with his sixth TD catch of his career on Sunday.
Play of the Game:
Late in the second quarter, the Chargers got down to the Oakland one after a five-yard catch by Hunter Henry. Needing to get something going, the Chargers opted to go for it on 4th-and-1. Philip Rivers handed off to Melvin Gordon, who leapt his way into the end zone to tie the game.
Turning Point:
Coming out of the fourth quarter, the Raiders opted to go for it on 4th-and-2 from the Chargers' 41. Derek Carr threw a pass in the direction of Michael Crabtree, but it fell incomplete as Trevor Williams had blanket coverage. On the ensuing Chargers drive, the team went 59 yards in 10 plays to take a 14-10 lead.
It Was Over When:
After driving down to the Raiders' 14, the Bolts trotted Nick Novak out to kick a game-winning field goal with three seconds left on the clock. Novak's kick was good, and the Chargers walked out of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with a victory.
Bolt Quotebook
"It's one of the most amazing feelings when you win a game in the NFL. It's hard to do. When you do your job well, and help contribute to a win, that's what you dream (about)." – K Nick Novak
"It felt good. I just wanted to get that first catch out of the way. There were a (few) jitters but now I'm good." – WR Mike Williams
"It was cool. Taking me back to my old Wisconsin days. Got to get used to it. I think I'll be a little sore — actually, really sore this time. After this, when it comes around, I'll be good. My body's able to adjust." – RB Melvin Gordon
"A good team win. A hard-fought game back and forth....an old school Chargers-Raiders game." – QB Philip Rivers
Odds and Ends
The Chargers outgained the Raiders 343-274 in total yardage. They held a 263-165 advantage through the air, but Oakland had a 109-80 edge on the ground.
Melvin Gordon led the offense in receptions with nine. Hunter Henry led the offense in receiving yards with 90.
Hayes Pullard led the defense with 10 total tackles and also recorded his first interception along with one tackle for loss and one pass defensed.
Wide Receiver Mike Williams had one reception for 15 yards in his NFL debut. The catch came on third down and eventually led to a go-ahead score.
Joey Bosa recorded his 5.5th sack of the season. He now has four career sacks in three games against the Raiders.
Keenan Allen made the 250th catch of his career in the first quarter. He has caught 18 third-down receptions on the year, converting 15 for first downs.
CB Trevor Williams was named an honorary captain, and recorded the first interception of his career.
Inactives for the Chargers included QB Cardale Jones, WR Dontrelle Inman, RB Branden Oliver, OLB Nigel Harris, T Tyler Marz, TE Sean Culkin and DE Jeremiah Attaochu.
