The San Diego Chargers will play against the Oakland Raiders this Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego on the heels of three straight losses that could affect their playoff chances. Fans can watch online the Chargers vs. Raiders game via live stream - free for subscribers - below.
The Associated Press reports that the Chargers (5-4) did have a five-game winning streak earlier in the regular season, including the Week 6 game against Oakland where Brandon Oliver scored a 1-yard touchdown run to give his team a 31-28 win. However, the Chargers have since lost each game since then, which included a 37-0 defeat at Miami on Nov. 2.
"As a competitor you just hate losing and you know that feeling and you never want to have it again," Chargers wide receiver Eddie Royal said. "So that kind of motivates you to come out and work that much harder, study a little bit more film, just so you don't have that feeling again."
The Associated Press has noted that San Diego has struggled in nearly every part of their game. The Chargers gained 395.8 yards per game with one interception during their winning streak, but their offense has dropped to an average of 245 yards with seven turnovers when they started losing.
However, the Raiders (0-9) are in worse shape compared to the Chargers. That's because the Raiders haven't won any of their games this season, including the one back in Week 6 against their AFC West rivals.
The Raiders' dismal performance so far doesn't mean that their team lineup is less than stellar. According to Jim Corbett of USA Today Sports, rookie outside linebacker Khalil Mack has collected 51 tackles and has frustrated opposing quarterbacks with relenting pressure thanks to his high-motor play.
"I'm just trying to play the basics having an affect in the run game and the passing game, too," Mack said to USA Today. "I just want to get better using my hands. Justin Tuck and all the (defensive) guys are really giving me great advice."
Mack later added that he takes "great pride" in his relentless efforts, noting that "it's part of football." Despite the fact that he is playing against Oliver, his former University of Buffalo teammate and roommate, he plans to "stay focused on the task at hand" to beat the Chargers.
"You have to be hungry," Mack said. "We're focused on getting that first win - and we're all fired up to get that first win, hopefully, this week."
Even Chargers linebacker Jarret Johnson noted that the Raiders could be a difficult team to beat this time around.
"I think normally if it was a non-divisional game you might view it a little different," Johnson said. "But this is the Raiders. We know how talented they are, we know how hard they play and if you take them for granted, if you look at them just for the record, you're a fool."
Sunday's AFC West game between the Raiders and Chargers will be broadcasted on CBS at 4:05 p.m. ET, and can be watched online via live stream by clicking here.
