Raiders defense Struggles as Chargers Secure Victory
Las Vegas, NV – The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a defeat Sunday, a game where defensive vulnerabilities where exposed against the Los Angeles Chargers.It marked the first time this season an opponent surpassed 100 rushing yards against the Raiders, with Chargers running back Kimani Vidal achieving 126 yards on the ground.
Early in the game, the Raiders defense deviated from its season-long success of forcing opponents into three-and-out situations, having done so in eight of their first 11 games. the Chargers orchestrated a lengthy 14-play, 74-yard drive consuming eight minutes and 50 seconds, culminating in a 7-0 lead.Raiders linebacker Devin White faced challenges during the drive, incurring two personal foul penalties on the Chargers’ second possession.
Despite the defensive struggles, cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly delivered a key interception, picking off Justin Herbert at the goal line in the second quarter, replacing Darien Porter who later saw playing time in the second half.
The Chargers encountered setbacks in the red zone during the second quarter, with Herbert throwing an interception and being stopped by white on a fourth-and-inches attempt. The Raiders capitalized on these errors to tie the game at 7-7,but ultimately the Chargers dominated the second half.
Defensive end maxx Crosby recorded two sacks, bringing his season total to eight – becoming the 12th player in NFL history to register at least seven sacks in his first seven seasons. Crosby has sacked Herbert eight times, more than any other Chargers opponent, and has accumulated 20 tackles for loss this season, a feat he has achieved three times. He recorded four tackles for loss during Sunday’s game, marking two consecutive games with that number.
The Raiders also faced injuries to rookie receivers Jack Bech, who sustained a chest injury in the second quarter, and Dont’e Thornton, who was evaluated for a concussion in the second half. Their availability for future games remains uncertain.
