Oakland offense vs. San Diego defense

	RAIDERS OFFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	Run	1
	Pass	12
	Tot. Yds.	6
	Scoring	8
	Int's allowed	11
	Sacks allowed	42
	CHARGERS DEFENSE
	Ranking in the NFL:
	vs. Run	6
	vs. Pass	22
	Total yds. allowed	13
	# of Ints.	14
	# of Sacks	34
	Turnover differential	-5

The Raiders are coming off their most dominating rushing performance of the season, as both Tyrone Wheatley (19 att., 111 yds.) and Napoleon Kaufman (8 att., 122 yds.) broke the 100-yard barrier, marking just the second time in franchise history the feat has been accomplished.

Oakland attacked the heart of the Bucs' defense last week instead of trying to run wide against their speedy linebackers. That game plan won't work this week versus San Diego DTs Norman Hand and John Parella because the Raiders will not be able to simply engulf the massive run-stuffers. The Chargers were strong up the middle against Wheatley in the first meeting between these teams, holding him to just 2.7 yards per carry. Therefore, expect Oakland to attack the flanks with Kaufman, where he can use his speed to get outside and take advantage of the Chargers' injury-riddled secondary in the open field.

One area that defensive coordinator Joe Pascale will stress is quarterback containment. QB Rich Gannon had his way with the Chargers, breaking contain for 43 yards on seven carries. OLB Junior Seau, who is at his best when he freelances, must play with great range and prevent Gannon from keeping drives alive with his feet.

Although he wasn't asked to win the game with his arm last week against the Bucs, Gannon came out sharp and prevented the Bucs from using SS John Lynch near the line of scrimmage in run support. The Raiders jumped out to a fast start against Tampa Bay, marching 84 yards on nine plays with Gannon making some critical third-down throws.

In their Week 10 contest, Gannon made some crucial throws not only on third down, but also in the red-zone. The Chargers must play more aggressive pass defense inside the 20 if they want to split the season series. Complicating matters, San Diego could be without Pro Bowl SS Rodney Harrison, who re-injured his shoulder in last week's loss at Miami.

Against the Raiders' seventh ranked red-zone offense, OLB Lew Bush needs to do a better job shadowing TE Rickey Dudley, who burned him for to touchdowns six weeks ago. Bush has a good feel in coverage and rarely makes mistakes but Dudley was able to lose him in the endzone for a pair of short scores.

The Raiders' run game was so successful last week that it discouraged the Bucs from going hard after the quarterback. The Chargers get little pressure without the blitz and they can't afford to sit back and play conservatively against an accurate quarterback like Gannon.

The Raiders were dominant last week, exposing Tampa QB Shaun King for what he is, a rookie. While they won't be able to rattle QB Jim Harbaugh as easily, Oakland's front four should have their way with an offensive line that struggles to contain quick one-gap players.

The Chargers have been relying too heavily on the short passing game to move the football. While Riley wanted his quarterback to take more shots down the field against Miami, Harbaugh simply didn't have enough time in the pocket to let the routes develop. San Diego's go-to guy in the passing game, Jeff Graham was bottled up last week with double-teams and coverages that funneled him inside. WR's Chris Penn, who flopped the starting job with now No. 3 Mikhael Ricks, managed just one catch and didn't pose a threat opposite Graham. Oakland's underneath coverage versus the Bucs was outstanding, holding RB Warrick Dunn to just 36 yards on five receptions.

TE Freddie Jones needs to make a greater impact on Sunday than he has in recent weeks. Jones, who caught just two passes a week ago, should be able to work on "Sam" linebacker Richard Harvey. The Raiders just moved Harvey to the strong side a couple of weeks ago and is still working to find his feel in coverage.

In order for the undermanned Chargers to compete, they must develop good balance on offense. If last week's 21-carry, 26-yard rushing effort -- the team's lowest of the season -- is any indication of the direction the Chargers' running game is headed, Harbaugh will be running for his life. Neither Fletcher nor Natrone Means is running with enough authority to make a difference. Their struggles compound the team's woeful red-zone attack. After having three first down opportunities inside the 14-yard line, the Chargers settled for three field goals last week in their 12-9 loss. With solid cover corners like Charles Woodson and Eric Allen on the outside, Means has to step it up and run hard between the tackles.