Error-free Chargers deny Raiders

OAKLAND, Calif. – Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes instead of making costly errors of their own.

Rivers threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd and Nate Kaeding kicked five field goals to spoil Dennis Allen’s debut as Oakland coach by beating the Raiders 22-14 on Monday night.

The Raiders were looking to start a new era on a positive note but were done in by an offense that couldn’t score a touchdown until the final minute and three botched punts after an injury to Pro Bowl long snapper Jon Condo.

The Chargers did enough to win on a night they started undrafted rookie Mike Harris at left tackle and were missing starting running back Ryan Mathews and receiver Vincent Brown to injuries.

San Diego protected Harris by throwing short often, with 16 of Rivers’ 24 completions going to running backs and tight ends. Rivers threw for 231 yards. He was sacked just once and did not turn the ball over after having 20 interceptions a year ago.

Carson Palmer finally got Oakland into the end zone with 54 seconds left on a 2-yard pass to rookie Rod Streater and the two connected for a 2-point conversion to make it 22-14. But San Diego recovered the onside kick and iced the game.

Palmer went 32 for 46 for 297 yards.

The Raiders had little trouble moving the ball in the first half but could not get into the end zone and trailed 10-6 at the break.

Oakland gained 204 yards in the first half but settled for field goals of 51 and 19 yards by Sebastian Janikowski.