Raiders Opponent Scouting: Chargers Defense

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to take on another divisional opponent on Sunday as they travel to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., to face the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Raiders dropped their second straight game last Sunday, while the Chargers won their first game of the season. This will be the Chargers’ first divisional game of the season, looking to bring their record to 2-2.

While Chargers Coach Brandon Staley is a defensive-minded coach, his unit has struggled on that end this season. The Chargers have allowed the second-most yards per game in the NFL at 450.7, and they have allowed the most passing yards in the NFL at 1,011. They have also allowed 29 points per game, the fifth-most in the NFL.

The Chargers have lots of talent on the defensive side of the ball, but as they often have been in recent years, they are dealing with a slew of injuries. Linebacker Eric Kendricks missed Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings because of a hamstring injury, and star safety Derwin James sustained a hamstring in the second half of the game and did not return.

Staley did not provide an update on James’ injury, so his status for Sunday’s game will be one to monitor. If he is able to play, he will be one of the most imposing presences on the field, as he is one of the best safeties in the NFL, if not the best.

The Chargers’ defensive line is led by star edge rusher Joey Bosa and former Raider, Khalil Mack. Bosa and Mack have combined for 20 total pressures and four sacks, according to Pro Football Focus. If the Raiders cannot stop this elite pass rushing duo, it will be a long day for the Raiders’ offense.

The Chargers’ linebacker group is led by Kenneth Murray Jr., who has posted 16 total tackles and an interception this season.

In the defensive backfield, Alohi Gilman has been an impressive player at safety with 22 total tackles and a forced fumble this season. Asante Samuel Jr. has been one of the better young cornerbacks in the league, as well. Despite allowing so many passing yards, the Chargers' secondary has some solid young talent.

Coach Josh McDaniels and the Raiders’ offense will have to be mindful of the talent on the Chargers’ defense despite their struggles this season, or else they will have a bounce back game.

The Silver and Black return to the road next week in Inglewood, Calif., to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT.

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