Brees Fires Away as Raiders’ Misery Deepens

Want to put a fright into the Oakland Raiders next Halloween? Show up at Al Davis’ door wearing a San Diego Charger jersey with the name “Drew Brees” stitched on it.

On a day full of treats for local fans, the Charger quarterback completed 22 of 25 passes for 281 yards and five touchdowns, and the Chargers routed the Raiders, 42-14, in front of 66,210 at Qualcomm Stadium.

“The tempo was just kind of rolling,” Brees said.

“Drew was on fire,” said Charger running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

The Chargers (5-3) are tied for the AFC West Division lead with the Denver Broncos, who lost, 41-28, to the Atlanta Falcons. The Raiders (2-6) have lost five in a row.

The win put the Chargers in contention for a playoff spot for the first time since 1995. For the Raiders, it was a sign of how far the team has fallen since the Super Bowl appearance of two seasons ago.

Last season, as the Chargers stumbled to 4-12, Brees was benched and booed. This year, the team drafted Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning -- who spurned them -- then traded him for North Carolina State quarterback Philip Rivers.

For months it was speculated that Brees would be traded.

“He’s had to show numerous people, ‘Hey, I can lead this team,’ and he’s done that,” said Charger tight end Antonio Gates. “We trust if we get open, Drew will make the right pass.”

Gates caught two third-quarter touchdown passes from Brees, who also threw scoring passes to tight end Justin Peelle in the first quarter and wide receivers Keenan McCardell and Tim Dwight in the second.

Tomlinson, returning from a groin injury, gained 71 yards in 19 attempts, including a one-yard touchdown in the first.

The Raiders scored on a five-yard run by Tyrone Wheatley and a 13-yard pass from quarterback Kerry Collins to tight end Doug Jolley. Collins, subbing for injured Rich Gannon, threw two interceptions and the Raiders were held to 21 yards rushing.

“I don’t think we take anything from this game that’s positive,” said Raider Coach Norv Turner. “It’s obvious we’re not capable of putting a drive together, putting a defensive stand together.”

Dozens of extra San Diego police were in attendance to separate fans, if necessary, during the latest installment of what has been an emotional rivalry.

“Beating the Raiders on Halloween,” Charger linebacker Donnie Edwards said, “it doesn’t get better.”