''They rush the passer really well (and) they are an attacking defense,''
Collins said Wednesday as the Raiders practiced after returning from the bye
week. ''They have good outside linebackers that can really create problems with
protections. They give up a play here and there but overall they are a very
sound defense. We definitely have our work cut out for us.''
The Chargers defense is much like Oakland's in that they've both been strong
against the run and very mediocre against the pass. San Diego is allowing only
93.8 yards a game and just 3.6 yards a carry, while the Raiders' defense
counters with 99.3 and 3.4.
Offensively, Oakland is still trying to find a comfortable rhythm. The
running game was virtually non-existent the first three weeks of the season
before LaMont Jordan broke out for a career-highs of 126 yards and 26 carries in
the win over Dallas.
That took some of the heat off Collins, who passed for 218 yards and extended
his interception-less streak to a career-best 149 passes dating back to last
season.
''We're going to need that (running game), especially against a team like
this,'' Collins said. ''They rush the passer well and they more you can run, the
better it does with the play-action game.''
Raiders head coach Norv Turner echoed Collins' sentiments, saying its
paramount that Oakland establish the ground game against a San Diego team that
is ranked seventh against the run and 21st overall.
''I'd like to see (Jordan) get 25 carries in the football game,'' Turner
said. ''It would help us do the things we have to to win the game. That's keep
the ball some. Obviously they're a very talented offensive football team but if
we can get some run going it would help (Jerry) Porter and (Randy) Moss and the
guys in the passing game.''
NOTES
* The Chargers have won the last three games between the two teams. A win on
Sunday would give San Diego it's first four-game winning streak over the Raiders
since they swept the season series in 1961 and '62. The Chargers also won both
games in 1960 but the franchise was located in Los Angeles at the time.
* Defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $7,500 by the NFL for a pair of hits
on Dallas quarterback Drew Bledsoe during Oakland's 19-13 win on Oct. 2. Sapp
was hit with a 15-yard personal foul penalty for one of the hits.
* Center Jake Grove, who had minor surgery on his right knee Oct. 3, did not
practice Wednesday but Turner would not rule him out of the San Diego game just
yet. ''He's made great progress and (team trainers) feel real good about where
he's at but certainly he wouldn't have been able to practice today,'' Turner
said. ''We'll see where he is by the end of the week.''
* Left guard Langston Walker was also held out of practice. According to
Turner, Walker suffered a rib strain Monday during weight-lifting but is
expected to return on Thursday.