"Funny how these things work out. On July 29, the Raiders brought in tackle Jared Gaither to training camp and were close to signing him - another big piece to a team looking to make the playoffs for the first time in nine years.

Now, five months later, Oakland needs a win Sunday to keep its playoff hopes alive.

And standing in the way? The 6-foot-9, 340-pound Gaither.

He joined the Chargers on Nov. 30, started five days later and the left tackle fast became quarterback Philip Rivers' best friend. Gaither has allowed only two quarterback pressures in four games, and Rivers has been sacked just twice in that span after hitting the turf 29 times in the first 11 games.

Rivers is tied for the league lead with 19 interceptions, but only two have come in the past four games, three of which the 7-8 Chargers won.

"(Gaither) bailed us out," San Diego coach Norv Turner said. "I don't know what we would have done if we hadn't signed him."

Well, the Chargers might have given up a record number of sacks to Kamerion Wimbley on Sunday."