OAKLAND, Calif. -- This game did not do justice to Charles Woodson’s legacy or that of the Oakland Raiders' time in the city.
It was a game in which the home team was unexpectedly flat even though it was the final home game in the 18-year career of Woodson, a future Hall of Fame safety, and quite possibly the NFL's last in Oakland.
But in the end, who cares?
“It was golden,” said defensive end Benson Mayowa, who brought a fumble recovery back to the 3-yard line to set up a huge Oakland touchdown in the fourth quarter. “We wanted to do this for Charles.”
Raider Nation enjoyed Christmas Eve as a happy bunch after a 23-20 overtime victory in which both teams, frankly, performed poorly. San Diego outplayed Oakland for much of Thursday night's game but made a series of mistakes for which coach Mike McCoy's teams have become known.
The Raiders improved to 7-8 despite having 14 first downs and 16 penalties.
It was an emotional night for Woodson and his fans. Woodson addressed the crowd and led the Raiders chant after the game, seconds after getting a Gatorade bath from teammates.
One fan ran up to Woodson on the field, with the Chargers driving and less than two minutes to go in the game. That fan was quickly escorted off by a gaggle of security officers.
And as Woodson plans his retirement at season's end, the Raiders may be leaving Oakland.
The Raiders are one of three teams, along with the Chargers and St. Louis Rams, that will try to move to Los Angeles. The NFL will meet Jan. 12-13 in Houston to vote on whether one or two of the teams will move. The Raiders and Chargers are trying to build a joint stadium in Carson, California.
“We try not to think about it, it’s up to the front office,” star pass-rusher Khalil Mack said of a possible move.
One reason to get excited: The Raiders’ run defense was on point. San Diego mustered only 72 yards on 25 rush attempts. The run was not a weapon for the Chargers.
One reason to panic: Oakland quarterback Derek Carr threw another home interception. Ten of his 12 interceptions this season have come in Oakland, including six in his past three home games. Carr’s past seven interceptions have led directly to opponents' touchdowns.
Fantasy watch: Oakland rookie receiver Amari Cooper was credited with two receptions for 10 yards after a postgame stat change by the NFL. He originally had minus-13 yards receiving in the first half. The Raiders ended the half with a ridiculous lateral play in which Cooper was credited for a 20-yard loss. He also had a 7-yard catch in the half. Either way, his outing was a fantasy killer.
Game ball: Latavius Murray. He finished with 79 yards on 19 carries, including a 22-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Murray also became the fourth NFL player this season to break the 1,000-yard barrier.
