Recap From Raiders 28-14 Loss To Chargers

As good as the Las Vegas Raiders had looked in winning their first three games of the season, that first loss had to come sometime.

Based on how they played during the first half of their eventual 28-14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, it might be fortunate that that loss came this early in the season.

That's how badly the Raiders were outplayed by the Chargers, trailing 21-0, at halftime.

The Raiders offense, after averaging the most yards per game in NFL history over the first three games, had 51 total yards in the first half.

For reference, they had more penalty yardage at 53 yards in the first half.

On both sides of the ball, but especially on defense, the Chargers dominated at the point of attack, not allowing the Raiders to gain any traction whatsoever.

On offense, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was able to make every throw, often finding tight end Jared Cook against big mismatches.

On the ground and in the air, running back Austin Ekeler proved once again why he's one of the best dual-threat backs in the league, with 145 total yards and two touchdowns.

Once the second half started, though, the Raiders were finally able to build momentum and find a way back into the game.

The Raiders' offensive line was able to give Derek Carr time to get comfortable, and he then threw touchdowns on the Raiders' first two drives of the half.

That went along with the Raiders' defense stepping up as well, forcing the Raiders to punt on their first two possessions.

But, on the Raiders' next drive, they would end up having to settle for a 52-yard field goal, which the normally reliable Daniel Carlson missed.

It would end up being the Raiders' last gasp, as the Chargers essentially put the game away when Ekeler scored his second touchdown on their ensuing drive.

There shouldn't be any doubt on the quality of the team the Chargers will be going forward, and if anything they gave the Raiders some valuable lessons to remember going forward.

A big one is that, even though head coach Jon Gruden wants his team to run the ball, the offense really got going once they committed to passing the ball.

It may have to be that until the Raiders offensive line builds consistent health and chemistry, it'll have to be the Derek Carr shows all the time moving forward.

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