Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) – Las Vegas Raiders (0-1): 22–10
Returning to the NFL after 10 years in the NCAA with Michigan, Jim Harbaugh had a successful first season with the Chargers. The former 49ers coach saw his team win against the division rival Raiders.
A success that took shape in the second half, carried by the runner JK Dobbins. Back after a last season truncated by a big injury, Justin Herbert kept it simple even if he is still looking for his best level.
Ahead at halftime, the Raiders lost their footing after the break. Gardner Minshew did what he could, not helped by a sluggish offensive line and ground game, even ending his game with an interception.
Alexander Mattison in the midst of boredom
The first half lacks rhythm. The defenses take over the attacks. 8 punts, 8 first attempts gained by the 2 teams, only 206 cumulative yards, and stupidities in the 2 attacks. On the Chargers side, penalties rain down with 5 for 30 yards lost. On the Raiders side, it's turnovers, including a nasty fumble by Gardner Minshew (25/33, 257 yards, TD, INT, fumble lost).
In the middle of this football mush, we find Alexander Mattison (5 carries, 4 REC, 62 yards, TD). The Raiders runner avoids 2 players. He will be the only one to find the way to the end zone in the first half.
For the Chargers, the defense is there, and that's it. Justin Herbert (17/26, 144 yards, TD) is pretty clean for his return from injury, but the running game advocated by Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman is absent (20 yards on 9 carries in the first half).
First for Ladd McConkey
The Chargers take the lead as soon as they return from the locker room, and will raise the tone. The defense continues its undermining work, with a new fumble caused by Joey Bosa. After the defense, it is the special teams that disrupt the Raiders. The missed field goal by Daniel Carlson to reduce the score will have consequences.
Rising in power, JK Dobbins (10 carries, 135 yards, TD) is rewarded for his game with a touchdown on the ground. He will be imitated by Ladd McConkey (5 REC, 39 yards, TD). Like Mattison in the first half, the rookie avoids 2 players, and scores the first touchdown of his NFL career. The Raiders try to come back. But, unfortunately, Antonio Pearce's men make too many inaccuracies to hope to win.
Keep that football!
Ladd McConkey finds the blue paint for his first NFL TD!
📺: #LVvsLAC on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/2Px6BcGS2W— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024
