The Las Vegas Raiders will look to start a season 2-0 for the first time since 2021, which is coincidentally the last year that they made the playoffs. But let's not get too far ahead of ourselves; the Raiders have a tough task in front of them: the Los Angeles Chargers.
Although Las Vegas looked far more prepared than Los Angeles in Week 1, the Raiders have yet to beat the Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers. In fact, the Chargers have won by an average of 13.5 points in the last four matchups.
Aside from the obvious goal of snapping a four-game losing streak to a division rival, the Raiders have a few under-the-radar storylines that fans should be aware of before Sunday's game at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders' defense will make or break them in Week 2
Can the Raiders stop Quentin Johnston?
Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey is questionable to play because of a rib injury. He missed the first two days of practice and logged a limited session on Friday. While his injury stirred some buzz, Raiders fans should be focused on the Chargers' healthy starting wideout, Quentin Johnston.
In Week 18 of the 2024 season, Johnston caught 13 passes for 186 yards in Las Vegas, both career-high numbers. He scored touchdowns in the last two divisional matchups.
Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis noted that the Raiders allowed 19.3 yards per completion to outside receivers and gave up five 20-plus-yard receptions to the Miami Dolphins' wideouts, which was the most across the league in Week 1.
Keep in mind that rookie third-rounder Caleb Douglas led the Dolphins with 94 receiving yards, and Darien Porter won't suit up on Sunday. Regardless of McConkey's status, the Raiders must tighten up coverage on the boundary against a receiver who's had his way with their secondary.
Raiders' run defense could face its first major test
In the preseason, the Raiders' biggest issue was their inability to stop the run. After giving up 156 rushing yards to the Arizona Cardinals in its first exhibition game, Las Vegas signed defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi.
In Week 2 of the preseason, the Raiders only allowed 3.1 yards per carry for a total of 78 yards to the Houston Texans, but the San Francisco 49ers rushed for 146 yards in the following week.
While it's easy to brush off glaring issues in the preseason, one has to wonder if the Raiders will be able to stop the run against starters.
Last week, the Dolphins trailed most of the contest, forcing them to rely on the passing game. In a more competitive matchup, the Raiders could see the Chargers test their run defense with Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal.
In Week 1, Miami's running backs only logged 12 carries; expect Los Angeles to go to the ground a lot more on Sunday, especially with McConkey at less than 100%.
Tonka Hemingway's matchup could lead to a breakout game
The Raiders' defense may not be on its heels for the entire game. It can aggressively exploit a weakness in the Chargers' offensive line, and Tonka Hemingway could carry his offseason momentum into an advantageous matchup on the interior.
According to Pro Football Focus, right guard Cole Strange allowed a team-high five pressures over 39 pass-blocking snaps.
The New England Patriots selected Strange in the first round of the 2022 draft, but he hasn't played up to expectations because of injuries and subpar pass protection. The fifth-year pro has allowed at least 21 pressures on fewer than 600 pass-blocking snaps in three of his first four seasons, per PFF.
During the offseason, Hemingway worked his way into the starting rotation of the defensive front. Last season, he didn't log his first sack until Week 14. The second-year pro could notch his first of the season in a statement game on Sunday.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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