Las Vegas Raiders (4-13) – Los Angeles Chargers (11-6): 20-34
Already qualified for the playoffs, the Chargers had to win against the Raiders. The objective for Jim Harbaugh's men is to take the 5th spot for the playoffs to face the Texans rather than the Ravens.
This is what they did, and with style. Justin Herbert was very good, helped by an excellent Quentin Johnston at reception.
Opposite, the Raiders did not do poorly, but ended the season on a bad note. Decisions will have to be made during the offseason, starting with the fate of coach Antonio Pearce.
Quentin Johnston boiling hot
After a sluggish start to the match marked by a missed field goal by Cameron Dicker on the Chargers side, the points began to arrive.
The Raiders manage to find the opening, helped by the penalties of Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa. Aidan O'Connell (24/34, 214 yards, 2 TDs, INT) finds Jakobi Meyers (9 REC, 123 yards, TD), very prominent in this first period. But, opposite, the Chargers have another receiver who is even more prominent.
It's not Ladd McConkey, but the other outside receiver Quentin Johnston (13 REC, 186 yards). Targeted 9 times in the first half, he recorded 9 receptions. Accustomed to loose balls, the receiver finally proves reliable. Also accustomed to touchdowns, it is not him who will be found by Justin Herbert (28/36, 346 yards, 2 TDs), but DJ Chark.
Best receiver of the Chargers, Ladd McConkey (5 REC, 95 yards) will add 2 more points in the transformation just before halftime. Jim Harbaugh's men are therefore in front at half-time despite an ineffectiveness to conclude.
Record for Brock Bowers
After recording 0 receptions at halftime, Aidan O'Connell's goal is to better feed Brock Bowers (4 REC, 50 yards, TD). What he does with two receptions in a row for 23 yards, thus overtaking Malik Nabers (WR, Giants) to hold the record for the most receptions for a rookie.
He could have scored a touchdown to reduce the score, but Derwin James prevented him from doing so. But, the rookie tight end is resilient, and will find the path to the touchdown with 23 seconds remaining in the game, capping a quality individual season.
Opposite, the Chargers will once again step on the accelerator. Justin Herbert decides to please players little seen in the end zone. Thus, Will Dissly (5 REC, 42 yards, TD) allows the Chargers to widen the gap.
Quentin Johnston still walks on water. After another spectacular reception, it will allow the Chargers to run the clock. It was therefore necessary for the offensive part of the Los Angeles franchise to end with a running touchdown. JK Dobbins (18 races, 63 yards) will do most of it, but it's Hassan Haskins (12 races, 33 yards, TD) who will finish.
Los Angeles proves that they have a complete team on both ends of the floor. The defense can be decisive, notably with Daiyan Henley's interception in the first half. Then, the attack is complete around Justin Herbert. This is promising for the playoffs.
