"The education of Carson Palmer continues Thursday night against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium as the Raiders attempt to bump one of their rivals from the top spot in the AFC West.

The Raiders, 4-4, are tied with the Chargers and Chiefs atop the division, attempting a title run that might be unprecedented.

"Nobody has ever sat out with no offseason, no training camp, and come in halfway through the season and been asked to be 'the guy' for your football team -- especially on a team that has playoff aspirations," former quarterback and NFL Network studio host Kurt Warner said. "Nobody's really been there before."

After Palmer completed 19 of 35 passes for 332 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions against Denver, coach Hue Jackson said he holds his quarterback to a higher standard. He conceded Wednesday the bar is set incredibly high.

"What this young man has done over a three-week period of time, I don't know if anyone has had that kind of pressure put on him," Jackson said.

Offensive coordinator Al Saunders, looking at the big picture, was amazed."