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Charles Woodson announced earlier this week that 2015 would be his final season (Getty)
For the final time in his 18-year career, Charles Woodson will emerge from the tunnel at O.co Coliseum. At a time where relocation seems a possibly for both the Chargers and Raiders, it could be the final entrance for either team.
To send the Oakland fans home happy they’ll need to knock off San Diego, losers of six straight AFC West matchups. Despite the Chargers’ win last week both teams have been slumping, both having lost three of their previous five games.
San Diego is a six-point underdog tonight, but the trends indicate a close matchup tonight. The Chargers have gone 4-2 against the spread the season, while the Raiders have gone 2-5 at home. These teams totaled over 800 yards of offense in the last meeting, when Oakland won in San Diego in October.
Woodson has played 11 seasons for Oakland over two different periods, and will head to Canton with an impressive resume. He is one of only two players (Marcus Allen) in NFL history to win the Heisman Trophy, AP Rookie of the Year, AP Player of the Year and the Super Bowl in his career. He is ranked fifth in NFL history with 65 interceptions, and has more defensive touchdowns (13) than any player ever. At 39 years old, he leads the Raiders with five interceptions this season and is second with 65 tackles.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:25 p.m. Eastern. In local markets, CBS has the broadcast, with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms on the call. All other viewers can watch the game on NFL Network. Stay here after kickoff for live updates and highlights throughout the game.
FINAL: The Chargers go four and out to end the game. Charles Woodson gets the win in his final home game, even if he didn’t get to throw a touchdown. Merry Christmas.
Chargers 20, Raiders 23
The Raiders started overtime with the football, and with a little help, drove into Chargers territory. At one point Oakland was faced with a third and 29, but a Chargers penalty bailed them out.
Oakland continued the drive, with Carr staying aggressive and taking shots down the field. The play of the game came from Seth Roberts, who bobbled a pass and hauled it in on the run for 33 yards. That gave the Raiders first and goal, but they were backed up and unable to end the game with a touchdown.
How bad were San Diego’s injuries? In overtime the Chargers had only two corners and two safeties, and were only able to field a base defense. The defense still held, and gave Rivers one more chance to win the game.
Chargers 20, Raiders 23
To the dismay of everyone, the Chargers go 53 yards in just under four minutes and tie the game. The Raiders do nothing in the final minute, and we’ve got overtime people.
Chargers 20, Raiders 20
Oakland takes their first lead of the game off a San Diego turnover. Rivers completed a pass to Dvid Johnson, who promptly coughed it up to Raiders lineman Benson Mayowa. Mayowa rumbled inside the five-yard line, and the Raiders took advantage. Carr went to Crabtree in the back of the endzone for six, and hit Seth Roberts for the two-point conversion. It was Oakland’s fist successful two-point attempt this season, and it’s their first lead of tonight’s game.
Chargers 17, Raiders 20
After another King punt, the Chargers went on a drive that lasted for almost 30 minutes real time, and took seven minutes off the clock. After driving into Raiders territory, the Chargers were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after disputing a no-call on pass interference. The ensuing 53-yard field goal was good, but Khalil Mack, who has had a strong second half, was flagged for defensive holding and kept the Chargers drive alive. Then it appeared Rivers hit Ladarius Green on a lofting TD pass, but the review showed that Green bobbled the catch. After all was said and done, Lambo lined up again for a slightly shorter 48-yard field goal. He missed. Ladies and gentlemen, your 2015 San Diego Chargers!
Chargers 17, Raiders 12
After a third quarter that featured five consecutive punts, the sixth proved to be one of the biggest plays in the game. A 51-yard punt from Marcus King pinned the Chargers inside their own ten, putting the deteriorating Chargers line in a tough spot. Rivers was sacked in the end zone on third and long, giving the Raiders two points and turning the momentum
Chargers 17, Raiders 12
Oakland adds three, but leaves Rivers plenty of time for a two-minute drill. The response was an eight play drive that went into Raiders territory, but stalled out with a less than a minute until halftime. Lambo’s good from 47, and the Chargers lead by seven at the break.
Chargers 17, Raiders 10
San Diego marches down the field to start the second quarter, and Rivers finishes the drive with a slant to Dontrelle Inman. The Chargers are running just to keep the Raiders honest, and killing them with short and intermediate passes. Khalil Mack, who recorded five sacks two weeks ago, has mostly been contained.
Chargers 14, Raiders 7
Derek Carr responds by going 6-6 on the next drive. Fans were looking for Charles Woodson to make an appearance on offense, but a 22 yard run from Murray tied the score.
Chargers 7, Raiders 7
Derek Carr gives the ball away early, giving the Chargers great field position. It took seven plays, but Rivers was able to cap off the drive with a handoff to Donald Brown.
Chargers 7, Raiders 0
The touchdown wasn’t pretty, and the real highlight was on the bench. Watch Donald Brown totally stiff fellow running back Danny Woodhead on a high-five on his way back to the bench. Woodhead was saved from embarrassment by Eric Weddle, who picked up the slack before things got weird.
Charles Woodson leading his team before kickoff. To read more about Woodson during his final home game, click here.
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