Late defensive stand secures 24 - 17 W for Chargers over Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers showed resilience on both sides of the ball Sunday. Not only did quarterback Justin Herbert pass for 167 yards and 1 passing touchdown, but he distributed the passes amongst 13 total receivers. The offense is showing a level of balance as well. Los Angeles rushed for 155 yards on 37 attempts by 4 Chargers’ rushers including Herbert. The game looked like a route being a possibility at halftime, 24 to 7 being the score. Las Vegas Raiders started rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell that filled in for Jimmy Garoppolo that suffered a concussion during the Raiders Sunday night game against the Steelers. Needless to say, allowing 7 sacks for a loss of 50 yards was evidence that O’Connell did not have his timing nor the experience to overcome nerves or questionable play calling. The lone bright start for the Raiders was running back Josh Jacobs that rushed for 58 yards on 17 carries with 1 touchdown and 8 receptions for 81 yards.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense had the last laugh late in the 4th quarter. Raiders converted on a 4th and 10 at the Chargers 22 yard-line with a deep left pass from O’Connell to Devante Adams for 19 yards setting up a 1st and goal from the 3 yard-line. Las Vegas Raiders fans know oh too well about the term “questionable play calling” as the offensive play callers called a short pass intended for wide receiver Jakobi Meyers that ultimately was intercepted by Asante Samuel Jr. that took a knee and secured the win for the Chargers. Two weeks in a row for the Raiders now is left with questions and criticism after last week a field goal decision was made for a 4th down inside of the red zone with minimal time left down by 8 points, and now a passing play calling when the Raiders have Josh Jacobs that was showing strength as the game went along. Chargers now will head into the bye week with a 2-2 record and will host a Monday Night Football game on October 16th against the Dallas Cowboys. Las Vegas Raiders drop to 1-3 and will host the Green Bay Packers next Monday Night Football.