Chargers Defense steps up big in Week 1

Third Quarter

Las Vegas opened the 2nd half with a scoring drive to make it a one possession game at 17-10. Herbert and the Chargers answered on the next drive. The offense went 73 yards down the field ending with an 18 yard touchdown catch from TE Gerald Everett via chargerspulse on Instagram. Herbert made a pinpoint pass and Everett carried the defender into the endzone to put the Chargers up 24-10. The Raiders were able to answer on their next drive kicking a field goal to make the score 24-13 going into the 4th quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Although the Chargers offense became stagnant in the 4th, the defense stepped up with some huge plays. CB Asante Samuel picked off Carr on an attempted TD pass to Davante Adams. CB Bryce Callahan had an interception on the Raiders next offensive possession. Unfortunately the Chargers could not capitalize as Dustin Hopkins would miss a 49 Yard FG that would’ve put the Chargers up 27-13. Instead, the Raiders would make the score 24-19 with 4 minutes left on a nice TD catch from Davante Adams. Las Vegas was unable to convert on the 2pt attempt. With the Chargers offense unable to move the chains, Las Vegas had one more chance to take the lead. On their final possession, Khalil Mack sealed the game with a sack/forced fumble on fourth down with under two minutes left in the game via NFL on Instagram.

The defense made its presence felt, wreaking havoc on Derek Carr all game. Carr was sacked six times and threw three interceptions facing the Chargers defense. Joey Bosa had 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Khalil Mack had three sacks and a forced fumble in his Chargers debut. The final sack sealed the game and stopped the Raiders final chance of a comeback.

The Chargers are now 4-0 vs the Raiders in season openers since 2006. They now have a 1-0 start on the AFC West. Los Angeles looks to take this momentum into another divisional matchup against the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.