Nate Kaeding and Philip Rivers Lead Chargers Over Raiders
Fitzgerald Cecilio

Oakland, CA

Kicker Nate Kaeding matched his career-high five field goals while quarterback Philip Rivers added one touchdown pass to lead the San Diego Chargers past the Oakland Raiders, 22-14 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

The Chargers also relied on their defense, forcing four fumbles, including two on fourth down, and sacking Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer three times -- two by Shaun Phillips, one by Donald Butler - that led to a 21-yard loss.

"I thought our defense played awfully well. We created negative plays, which is something we emphasized. Obviously we were outstanding on special teams and took advantage of the situation the Raiders were in," said head coach Norv Turner.

Turner also praised quarterback Philip Rivers, saying he did a great job of managing the game.

Rivers completed 24 of 33 passes for 231 yards and a six-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Malcom Floyd, who led the Chargers in receiving with 66 yards on four receptions.

"This win is huge. We talked all offseason about winning division games, and we had an opportunity on the road. Certainly all three phases contributed, and it was great to win," Rivers said.

Palmer finished 32-for-46 for 297 yards but he issued his only touchdown pass to wide receiver Rod Streater in the dying seconds of the fourth period, with the Chargers leading by 16 points.

The Raiders struck first with Sebastian Janikowski drilling a 51-yard field goal midway through the first quarter but Rivers led a nine-play, 74-yard drive that ended with a Kaeding field goal.

The Chargers took the lead after Rivers orchestrated a 13-play, 90-yard drive on their next possession, capping it with a six-yard touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd. The Raiders trimmed the lead to 10-6 with another field goal seven before the first half ended.

Kaeding buried three more field goals in the third period before capping his career night with another in the fourth period that gave the Chargers a 22-6 lead.

Raiders running back Darren McFadden compliments the Chargers after they beat Oakland Monday night