OAKLAND -- Sebastian Janikowski hit a 19-yard field goal seconds before the first half ended to send the Raiders into halftime down four. The snap was a little high, but very manageable for holder Shane Lechler. It was delivered by backup linebacker Travis Goethel.
Jon Condo had to leave the game in the second quarter with an undisclosed head injury, leading to the question of who's the Raiders' backup long snapper. Apparently it's Goethel, who was practicing snapping on the sideline when the Raiders got the ball back with 3:10 left in the half and passed his first test.
The Raiders' offense has moved the ball in the first half but had a couple drive stalls due to mistakes. Rookie receiver Rod Streater fumbled on his first catch on the Raiders' first drive. A tricky reverse play on their third drive went for a loss of 25 yards after Marcel Reece's pitch bounced off Taiwan Jones' facemask.
The defense forced a three-and-out on the Chargers' first drive, with end Matt Shaughnessy sacking Philip Rivers on third down. But they hurt themselves with penalties in the second quarter. Two offsides penalties on tackle Tommy Kelly gave the Chargers first downs on their third drive, a 13-play, 90-yard drive that lasted 8:06 and resulted in a 6-yard touchdown pass to receiver Malcom Floyd.
Cornerback Ron Bartell has had a rough first game as a Raider. He was beaten in the first half for pass plays of 46 and 23 yards, and then left the game in the second quarter with an elbow injury. He's questionable to return. Pat Lee stepped in for him.








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