It wasn't quite as pretty as last week, but it was far more glorious. The Las Vegas Raiders took down the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season by a score of 26-14, advancing to 2-0 for the first time since 2021. That was the last time the Silver and Black made the playoffs... Anyway.
Klint Kubiak's squad made a major statement against the team's AFC West foe and proved that this team is one to be reckoned with. These are not the Raiders of the past; they will compete, they will win, and so far, it seems like they will dominate, as they've logged two straight two-score victories.
Plenty will be said about this Las Vegas team in the coming days, and everyone will begin to hop on the bandwagon. In the meantime, though, while it's just us, Raider Nation, let's go with some quick-hitters from the action on Sunday and let's bask in the glory of this dominant rivalry win.
6 instant reactions from the Raiders' Week 2 win over the Chargers
1. Kirk Cousins was a different quarterback
YOU LIKE THAT?!
Cousins heard the noise about his struggles throwing downfield in Week 1, and he responded with, quite frankly, a monster performance. He went 19-for-29 for 253 yards and three touchdowns while throwing one interception on a play in which Tre Tucker slipped as Cousins threw the ball.
Not only was Cousins very successful throwing the ball downfield, but he also did a good job evading pressure on a day when the offensive line did not bring their "A" game. He still missed some throws and was not perfect, but nobody should be talking about Cousins getting replaced right now.
2. Cody White, take a bow
Last week, White made a touchdown-saving play on special teams and earned a game ball, despite being a mere practice squad elevation. He was activated again in Week 2 and made sure that the Raiders did not regret it, catching two passes for 24 yards, both of which went for touchdowns.
His second score was the clincher, as it put Las Vegas up 24-14 in the fourth quarter. White is making a serious case to be signed to the 53-man roster, as he's made pivotal plays at crucial junctures in the game during both the Silver and Black's wins.
3. Zeke Masses is here to stay
Not a bad first start for the fifth-round rookie, eh?
Masses was rarely noticeable in coverage, giving up just three catches for 23 yards on six targets. You only noticed him when he was picking two passes and making great returns on both, and he made a tremendous play behind the line of scrimmage against the run early - one of his five tackles.
He might be one of those ones.
4. Rob Leonard's defense answers the call again
Leonard's defense had a hard time stopping the run for much of the game, but they made enough plays to keep the Raiders ahead of the 8-Ball, and the Chargers ultimately had to abandon the run. The defensive line got after the quarterback, notching 18 pressures and three sacks.
The secondary also played fairly well, even without Treydan Stukes for much of the ballgame, as they picked off two passes. Overall, the Las Vegas defense forced three turnovers and gave up just 14 points, while also forcing three fumbles. Heck of a game from Leonard's crew once again.
5. Nakobe Dean is a major difference-maker
Dean continues to come through for this Raiders team in big moments, as he forced the fumble that led to the team's game-clinching touchdown. He missed a few tackles but played well in coverage again, had 0.5 sacks and two pressures, and led the team with 10 tackles. Major difference-maker.
6. Klint Kubiak is fearless and gets the job done (without Brock Bowers)
Kubiak doesn't coach with fear, but rather, vindication. He is creative, persistent, and doesn't let his or the team's previous failures limit him. And he is getting the job done, with the Raiders scoring 24 offensive points, even without Brock Bowers. That is a lot for him to feel proud of.
7. Ashton Jeanty and the OL had rough days
To finish, we'll go with some things to improve upon, because surely, that is what Kubiak and the team are thinking. Jeanty had several drops and never got going on the ground, in part because the offensive line didn't show up to run block or pass protect.
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