Defense Starts Season Strong
It took just one series for the Raiders defensive line to make an impact. On third-and-four on the opening possession of the game, the pocket collapsed and Maxx Crosby got to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert for his first sack of the season.
On the next drive on defense, it was second-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who knocked the ball out of Quentin Johnston’s hands to force another punt.
After a failed first-down conversion by the offense, the defense took over on a short field and allowed just five yards on four plays to force a field goal. Later in the half, they responded again to a quick possession change after a fumble by the offense gave the Chargers the ball at the Raiders 12-yard line.
With a halftime score of 7-6, the Raiders held the Chargers to just 83 total yards in the first half. That’s the Raiders’ fewest yards allowed in the first half of a game since 2019 Week 15 vs. the Jaguars (75) and fewest in a road game since 2011 Week 10 at the Chargers (65).