Oakland Raiders: 5 Players Who Stepped Up Versus Chargers
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) returns an interception thrown by San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (not pictured) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Malcolm Smith
Smith not only had arguably the biggest game statistically for the Oakland Raiders, but his interception on the Chargers 1st drive of the game might have been the most important play of the game; it set the tone for the Raiders defense and was a sign that Oakland wasn’t going to just let Rivers and the Chargers offense dink and dunk themselves down the field all day long. It also immediately put the Raiders in scoring position for an early 7-0 lead.
On top of that, Smith led the Raiders with 11 solo tackles including a sack (stats courtesy of ESPN statistics). He was all over the field all day long, and while everyone would like to have seen Oakland record more than one sack against a fairly beat up San Diego offensive line, Smith’s performance had to give Del Rio and fans some hope that the Raiders have turned the corner defensively. Smith is being looked at to be the leader in the linebacker corps, and he showed he’s ready for that role.
This Sunday’s match-up against the Jets will need the same type of effort and game from Smith and the Raiders defense if Oakland is to build on this momentum.
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