FSM Essential Recap: Week 4 - Raiders vs Chargers

RAIDERS-CHARGERS | Franchise Sports Media

FSM Essential Recap: Week 4 – Raiders vs Chargers

Las Vegas Raiders (3-1) | Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)

The Raiders come up short in Los Angeles against the Chargers as they couldn’t get things going from the start.

Raiders vs Chargers — *Photo Credit: Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP*

The Las Vegas Raiders suffered their first loss of the season as they fell 28-14 to their division rival the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.

This was a chance for both teams to show that they were next in line to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West title. The Chargers came off a huge win in Kansas City the week before and were 2-1 looking to prove that they are ready to be taken seriously and have what it takes to make a postseason run this year.

The Raiders came in on fire as the NFL’s top offense, and coming in at 3-0 they were welcoming back running back Josh Jacobs from injury. It was another primetime game for the Silver and Black and another opportunity to showcase that this could be the year they finally turn their fortunes around.

Things started out rough as there was a delay to the start of the game due to weather, and things didn’t get much better for the Silver and Black once the game started.

On the opening drive for the Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert connected with tight end Jared Cook for a 22-yard gain. A few plays later an 18-yard run up the middle from Austin Ekeler put the Chargers deep into Raiders‘ territory. Facing a third down, Herbert delivered a ball to the back of the end zone to find tight end, Donald Parham Jr. for the four-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown capped off a 12 play, 75-yard opening drive and put the Chargers up 7-0.

The Chargers were able to force the Raiders offense into back-to-back three-and-outs on offense after Joey Bosa got pressure on Raiders‘ quarterback Derek Carr and forced a fumble on the play. The Raiders recovered the ball, but the sack from Bosa gave him the 50th sack of his career. Bosa became the fastest player in Chargers history to record 50 sacks.

“We didn’t do anything very well in the first half, offensively or defensively,” Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said. “The Chargers came out and took it to us from the start; they made a lot of plays and shut us down. And they made big plays in the passing game.

“The Chargers are a very good team which will have to be reckoned this season. They are going places. … Sometimes you get your feelings hurt in this league and ours are hurt right now.”

Second-year quarterback Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes in the first half as the Chargers rolled to a 21-0 lead.

The second half saw the Raiders offesne come to life, but eventually stall out.

The Raiders started the second half with the ball and put together their first scoring drive of the night. The Raiders made the score 21-7 after Carr found Hunter Renfrow for a 10-yard touchdown pass.

On their next drive, a defensive pass interference call on Asante Samuel Jr. moved the Raiders to the Chargers‘ 28-yard line. A few plays later, Carr threw his second touchdown of the day, this time to Darren Waller on a three-yard pass. With just under two minutes left to play in the quarter, the Raiders trailed the Bolts, 21-14.

On the Raiders’ first possession of the fourth quarter, a 51-yard deep ball to Henry Ruggs III brought Vegas to the Chargers‘ 35-yard line. A few plays later, Carr was sacked by Christian Covington to bring up 4th-and-9 for the Raiders. Raiders‘ kicker Daniel Carlson then missed the 52-yard field goal.

On the ensuing Chargers drive, Cook continued his great performance on the night as he brought in a 13-yard reception on 4th-and-2. The Chargers continued their drive into Las Vegas territory and in need of an answer to the Raiders‘ latest scores, Ekeler raced to the end zone for an 11-yard rushing touchdown, his second total TD on the day. Vizcaino made the PAT and put the Chargers up, 28-14.

With the Raiders driving into Chargers’ territory, Derwin James intercepted a pass intended for Waller and returned it 15-yards down the sideline. The interception gave the ball back to the Chargers with just over three minutes left in the game and essentially seal the victory.

The Raiders will now need to bounce back against the Bears and an old friend in The Death Star on Sunday afternoon.

The loss to the Chargers was a tough one for the Raiders, who were the only remaining undefeated team left in the AFC. Las Vegas will be facing an old friend in this matchup inside Allegiant Stadium, as Khalil Mack will be playing in front of the fans who were sad to see him sent away via trade before the 2018 season.

The Raiders need to figure out the offensive line. Derek Carr was under duress all game long against Los Angeles. They should be able to do so against Chicago, who just is not good right now, and still haven’t announced who their starting quarterback will be this Sunday. Bears head coach Matt Nagy said Andy Dalton will start if healthy enough, if not it will be Justin Fields.

Next week the Raiders will welcome the Chicago Bears to Allegiant Stadium. The kickoff is scheduled for 1:10 and can be seen on CBS.

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-Kalani Lua – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Kalani on Twitter @klua11

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