By Philip Rivers’ fifth throw on Thursday Night Football, the Los Angeles Chargers had targeted Oakland Raiders safety Eric Harris more times than any of his own receivers. Harris had two interceptions while Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen each had one reception.
Rivers got off to an ugly start, though it wasn’t totally his fault. Tackle Russell Okung left the game with an ankle injury, which worsened the quality of the Chargers’ already-depleted offensive line. Rivers’ first interception came when he soared the ball over Allen’s head near the end zone, but the receiver seemed to pause in his route, which led to the overthrow. On the second interception, Rivers targeted tight end Hunter Henry, who fell over on the play. That’s just bad luck.
Here’s a look at the second interception, a pick-six.
With Rivers flunking in the first quarter against Oakland, NFL fans and media members tore into the quarterback.
