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The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders thanks to another strong performance by quarterback Justin Herbert, who was able to overcome a poor start for a 20-9 win. After starting 1/5 passing with ten total yards, Herbert finished the game by completing 18 of 22 passes for 237 yards, two TDs, and 26 rushing yards.
Raiders quarterback Geno Smith made a costly mistake on the first offensive play of the game, when he overthrew his receiver, and the ball bounced off one member of the Chargers defense and into the hands of another. That interception was returned eight yards, leading to a Los Angeles field goal to take a 3-0 lead after 1:17 of gameplay.
Chargers defense getting things started early 😳
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Geno Smith rebounded from that mistake. On the next drive, he connected with rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. for 20 yards. Though they made it down to the Chargers’ 26 yard line, LA edge rusher Khalil Mack recorded his first sack of the season, which forced Las Vegas to settle for a 54-yard field goal and a 3-3 tie. Since being traded away from the Raiders in 2018, Mack has 12.5 sacks in nine games against the Silver and Black.
After missing on four of his first five pass attempts, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert finally got back on track. He accounted for 57 of LA’s next 72 yards, including a ten-yard touchdown pass to longtime Chargers wideout Keenan Allen for a 10-3 lead going into the second quarter. That was Allen’s second TD reception in as many games.
Early in the second quarter, Vegas wideout Jakobi Meyers took a slant pass 25 yards deep into Chargers territory. That drive tapered out at the 13 yard line, so the Raiders kicked a chip-shot field goal to narrow the gap to 10-6.
The Chargers broke this game wide open coming out of the two-minute warning. Justin Herbert linked up with wide receiver Quentin Johnston for a 60-yard touchdown to extend their lead to 17-6 with 1:51 to go in the second quarter. Johnston is currently tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns with three on the season.
