http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20051205-9999-lz1s5canepas.html The Chargers play virtually mistake-free football to dominate the Raiders and win their fifth consecutive game. Quarterback A Playing it cool, Drew Brees is becoming a greater Raiders-killer than LT. Running back B LT doesn't have his usual Silver and Black stuff, but good enough against these stiffs. Receiver B Everyone has big catches. Antonio Gates is guarded like Buckingham Palace. Offensive line B- Brees is sacked twice – two too many. Run game is almost painful. Defensive line A- If Jamal Williams doesn't go Pro Bowling, the vote was taken in Florida. Linebacker A But, pray tell, why does Shawne Merriman come out on passing downs? Secondary A Terrence Kiel's out, so Clinton Hart plays Lou Gehrig to Kiel's Wally Pipp? Special teams B Nate Kaeding should just try onside kicks, for all the distance he gets. Coaching A The Raiders are puff pastry and Marty Schottenheimer is John Goodman. Next opportunity (vs Miami) A Ricky comes home, plays, loses, then flies off to Tibet. By the numbers 0 Touchdowns by LaDainian Tomlinson, only the second time in 10 career games against Oakland he has failed to score. 1 Penalty called in the game – against the Chargers. (Oakland entered the game leading the league in penalties.) 5 Consecutive wins for the Chargers, only the second time since 1995 they've had a winning streak longer than four games (eight in 2004). 5 Consecutive wins by the Chargers over the Raiders, the longest streak by San Diego in the series since it won the first six meetings (1960-62). 19 Consecutive home games in which the Chargers have scored at least 20 points. 25-7 Marty Schottenheimer's career record against the Raiders. No coach has won more games against the Silver and Black. 76-24 Combined score of San Diego's victories over Oakland the last two seasons at Qualcomm Stadium. – JAY POSNER
