Coach Jack Del Rio’s confidence has rubbed off on Raiders
The Raiders can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Chargers on Sunday in just their second season with Jack Del Rio as head coach.
“This organization has a chance to do something special,” cornerback David Amerson said.
Del Rio and his staff have taught the players how to win, and they have announced their presence with authority, as in a 5-1 road record this season.
It’s gotten them here, able to clinch the Raiders’ first playoff spot in 14 years.
[...] if Oakland can win one more game than Kansas City does the last three weeks, it can win the AFC West and host a playoff game.
Del Rio’s former boss, Ravens Super Bowl-winning coach and NFL Network analyst Brian Billick, is not surprised at how the Raiders have gone from 0-10 to 10-3 in two seasons.
[...] he paid the price as an assistant coach, growing his knowledge and his resume.
A win Sunday would give Del Rio his third playoff appearance as a head coach, after two with the Jaguars from 2003 to 2011.
People ask, ‘Why would you want to hire someone who was fired?’ Well, because, they grow and learn and now have a wealth of experience.
The last time the Raiders were playing for a playoff spot late in the season was 2011, and their confident coach went by the name Hue Jackson.
Oakland was 8-7 and just needed a win against a Chargers team playing out the string, much like quarterback Philip Rivers’ bunch this season.
When the ship was sinking and the Raiders were 0-4 two years ago, players shrugged when asked about the coach.
Del Rio won with defense and a strong running game in Jacksonville, but he has relied on Derek Carr and an efficient passing game this season.
The Raiders’ defense is ranked 30th in the NFL but is first in turnover margin, at plus-15.
Amari Cooper — The receiver only has 223 yards in the past five games, as teams have focused on taking him away.
Raiders — S Karl Joseph (toe), DT Stacy McGee (ankle) and LB Shilique Calhoun (knee) are out; DT Darius Latham (ankle) is questionable.
Chargers — RB Melvin Gordon (hip/knee) is out; CB Craig Mager (shoulder) is doubtful.
Chargers TE Antonio Gates needs two touchdowns to tie Tony Gonzalez for the most ever by a tight end in the NFL (111).
Gates has the most career TD catches (13) by any player against Oakland.
Michael Crabtree and Seth Roberts are tied for third in the NFL with 18 red-zone targets, combining for nine touchdowns.
Oakland leads the NFL in turnover margin at plus-15.
