The NFL season began today for 28 teams, including the hometown Las Vegas Raiders, who had a headliner season opener in Los Angeles against the Chargers.
The Chargers’ defense ran the show, outperforming the Raiders throughout. Derek Carr’s three interceptions certainly had a major effect on the outcome of the game, as well as the Chargers winning the sack battle 6-0. Carr also fumbled twice, although both were recovered. Raiders fans do have cause to worry, however, and ball control drills will likely be a focal point of the upcoming week’s practices.
Khalil Mack showed he was worthy of the assets the Chargers gave up for him, beginning his time on the Bolts with three sacks. Justin Herbert showed off his skills as well, slinging for 279 yards and three touchdowns, all without turning the ball over or getting sacked. While the Chargers had a very good game, Raiders fans don’t need to sink into despair just yet. The Carr-Adams connection was a strong point for the Raiders offense, with Adams reeling in 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown, which undoubtedly made his fantasy managers happy.
The Raiders did have a solid chance to win the game, having the ball down and down five with just over three and a half minutes remaining. However, a quick turnover on downs after a hopeful 12-yard pass to Adams on the first play of the drive proved an end to the Raiders’ comeback hopes.
Raider Reactions
Davantae Adams’ target volume
Adams was targeted 17 times, almost three times as much as anybody on either team. Raiders fans should be glad to know that their quarterback has maintained his chemistry with his former Fresno State teammate, but may be concerned with any effect this high of a target share may have on avoiding a one-dimensional offense.
Raiders turnovers (and almost-turnovers)
As mentioned earlier, Derek Carr was picked off three times by the Chargers throughout the game and was also stripped twice. Even though those two fumbles were recovered – as well as another fumble by Hunter Renfrow – the Raiders’ ball security understandably comes into question. For a team that placed an emphasis on ball security throughout the preseason by not committing a single turnover, having multiple giveaways is concerning. Nearly every team statistic was close to identical between the Chargers and Raiders, besides turnovers. Without the mistakes made by Carr to give the ball away, Las Vegas would have likely won the game.
Losing the battle in the trenches
As mentioned earlier, the Raiders were effectively out-sacked by the Chargers, with the Chargers recording six sacks to the Raiders zero. The Chargers weren’t just getting to the QB on sack plays, though. Nine QB hits by Khalil Mack and Co. completely outclassed the Raider’s three QB hits, and though the Raiders won’t be playing a defensive line as tough as the Chargers until facing Myles Garrett and the Browns in Week 5, hopefully, the Raiders offensive line can get their affairs in order.
Up next
Las Vegas now turns its attention to next Sunday, Sep. 18. The Raiders will open the home portion of the schedule facing Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, with kickoff slated for 2:25 p.m. MT. The game can be seen on CBS and via Paramount+.
