NFL: The Chargers shock Vegas at home, handing the Raiders their first loss of the season
Inglewood, California - The Los Angeles Chargers overpowered the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night, easily giving a loss to one of the league’s previously undefeated teams.
The Chargers beat the Raiders 28-14 in the final game of Week Four, handing their division rival its first loss of the season and leaving the Arizona Cardinals as the only NFL team with an unblemished record.
Last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert (23) was in the zone, leading his team’s electric offense to a show of domination over an otherwise tough Raiders defense.
Herbert completed 25 of 38 pass attempts for 222 yards and three touchdowns, all of which came in the first half.
Receivers Donald Parham Jr., Jared Cook, and running back Austin Ekeler each caught a pass for a touchdown. Parham Jr. caught two passes for 17 yards while Cook led LA with six catches for 70 yards.
In addition to the touchdown grab, Eckler did most of his work on the ground, carrying the ball 15 times for 117 yards and another touchdown.
Chargers hold off comeback attempt
Thanks to Herbert’s first-half efforts, the Chargers built a comfortable 21-0 lead going into halftime, looking like the game was theirs to lose.
The Raiders responded in the third quarter with two touchdown passes from Derek Carr to wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Darren Waller to get within seven.
Carr finished the game going 21-for-34, 196 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick.
But with over five minutes left in the fourth, Eckler was able to get into the end zone for LA with an 11-yard rush to put his team back up by 14.
Vegas had one last chance with under a minute to play, but couldn’t convert on fourth down, allowing the Chargers to run the clock out for the win.
Next Sunday, the Chargers (3-1) look to make it three straight wins as they welcome the Browns (3-1) into town while the Raiders (3-1) head back home themselves to face the Bears (2-2).
Cover photo: IMAGO / UPI Photo