Raiders at Chargers: What surprised us in the 24-19 loss
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders lost their season opener to Los Angeles on Sunday, and here are three things that surprised us throughout the contest.
Expectations were high for both the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers entering their Week 1 matchup inside SoFi Stadium. The Raiders bounced the Chargers from playoff contention in Week 18 last season, so revenge was definitely on the mind of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and company.
There was also the added storyline of Khalil Mack making his return to the AFC West, though this time wearing the rival Blue and Yellow of the Chargers. In the end, the Chargers got out to an insurmountable lead, and while the Raiders had a chance at the end of the game to win it, another turnover proved to be the end for the Silver and Black.
Before we turn our attention to the Week 2 matchup against Arizona, let us dive into some surprises from the Week 1 matchup against Los Angeles.
Raiders at Chargers: What surprised us in the 24-19 loss
Johnathan Abram was better than expected
The Raiders held three first-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft, but when the new regime came aboard, they did not pick up the fifth-year option on any of them. One of those picks was safety Johnathan Abram, who has flashed at times since being drafted but has never been consistent enough to be considered a long-term piece.
Well, under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Abram may have finally found a system where he can thrive. He was outstanding throughout the game on Sunday, and if he continues to play this way, he should be a part of the long-term solution in Las Vegas.
Derek Carr’s mistakes
With the arrival of Davante Adams, this was supposed to be the season where Derek Carr took the next step forward and shed all of his naysayers. Well, the Week 1 performance from No. 4 left a lot to be desired, as his mistakes were costly throughout the loss to the Raiders’ division rival.
In Week 2, Carr has to be much better, and that includes him using his legs when things break down in the pocket. He missed on throws, threw into coverage, and held the ball way too long, things that have to be changed against Arizona this Sunday.
Josh McDaniels abandoning the run
During his time with New England, Josh McDaniels was outstanding with utilizing multiple running backs, but he abandoned the run in this one. Josh Jacobs finished with 57 yards and did so on ten carries, a solid clip that should have led to him getting more carries as the game went on.
Instead, the Raiders’ offense played like they were trying to come back from an insurmountable lead, even though the game was close all the way until the final possession. Against Arizona, McDaniels has to utilize his backs, and based on what we saw from Clyde Edwards-Helaire in Week 1 against the Cardinals, the running back room should have a big day.