Carried by their two stars, the Chargers did not have to force their talent to overcome Raiders who were too tender and undisciplined.
Eight plays, 64 yards and one touchdown at the end. It took 4 minutes and 45 seconds for Aidan O’Connell (24/39, 238 yards, 1 interception, 3 races, 3 yards, 1 touchdown) to stand out among the big boys (7-7). A first series without any hitch to confirm the good impressions left in pre-season and to confirm Josh McDaniels in his decision to make him start the match, replacing Jimmy Garoppolo.
Except that opposite, his counterpart was anything but a rookie. Growing in strength since the opening of the season, Justin Herbert (13/24, 167 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 12 races, 27 yards, 2 touchdowns) reached his cruising speed this Sunday against Vegas. And once launched, the guy goes rather quickly, making Maxx Crosby lose his balance, although he is also in great shape (8 tackles, including 2 for loss, 2 sacks), and his composure to the former home, Jerry Tillery.
herbert breakin’ ankles
📺: @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/AJna2S4ALB
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) October 1, 2023
A sequence concluded with a Keenan Allen touchdowncame to sanction a first loss of the ball by Aidan O’Connell, not necessarily helped by his offensive line (17-7). Once again put under pressure, this time by Khalil Mack (10 tackles, including 5 for loss, 6 sacks, 1 pass defended), the rookie loses his second ball, from the next series. Learning the hard way, once again sanctioned by the locals and Herbert, double scorer (24-7).
Mack near record
In the absence of Joey Bosa, Mack took it upon himself to make the rookie quarterback go through hell, all alone, like a grown-up. Like a giant, finishing the game one unit away from the record for sacks in a game, still in possession of the late Derrick Thomas.
Comfortably in the lead, the Chargers led the rest of the game in their hands, despite their quarterback’s injury to his own. The left, fortunately, only requires a quick passage under the blue tent and the placement of a splint on the middle finger. Josh Jacobs tried to reignite the suspense, but his valiant efforts were in vain. Ditto for Brandon Staley, the apprentice sorcerer, saved by the interception of Asante Samuel Jr., after a fourth missed attempt in the Chargers’ 30 yards.
Without being ridiculous, the Raiders have never really worried their opponents of the day, who will take advantage of the coming week of rest to treat the injuries. Hoping for the returns of Bosa and Austin Ekeler to look higher.
