Philip Rivers to Oakland Defense: You're Just What I Needed?

Twelve weeks and eight grueling losses later, Philip Rivers is cautiously optimistic about his team's chances the rest of the way. "We've got to win them all and they've got to lose three of four," Rivers said after a home loss to Atlanta dropped the AFC West leading Broncos' magic number to two. "Can it happen? Sure, but we haven't shown the ability to be able to win four in a row." In the wreckage that has been the Chargers' 2008 season, there's been little to smile about. Other than solid wins against the Jets and Patriots (who, quixotically—will probably make the playoffs,) San Diego's performance against the Raiders is the one that most reminds fans of previous seasons. Coming behind from a double-digit deficit on the road, the Chargers handed the Raiders their tenth straight loss in the series and struck Head Coach Lane Kiffin's coffin with its final nail. On Thursday night, the Chargers and Raiders square off once more, this time before a national audience. For many Bolts, ... (link)