Justin Herbert threw three touchdowns and Khalil Mack recorded six sacks as the Chargers defeated the Raiders 24-17.
Chargers Overcome Injuries and Tough Raiders to Secure Second Straight Win
Inglewood, Calif—Despite facing numerous challenges, including a star quarterback with a splint on his hand and missing key defensive starters, the Los Angeles Chargers showed their resilience and determination in securing their second consecutive victory.
With a 17-point lead at halftime, the Chargers had to rely on a crucial defensive stop and a clutch throw from Justin Herbert in the final minutes to seal a hard-fought 24-17 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 1.
“It was a really tough performance with a bunch of guys out,” coach Brandon Staley said. “Our guys had their best at the end.”
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Khalil Mack made history with a franchise-record six sacks, while Justin Herbert showcased his talent with three touchdowns in the first half.
Herbert’s toughness was on full display when he injured his non-throwing hand after being intercepted. Despite wearing a splint, he continued to lead his team.
“You guys saw Justin’s toughness today, not that we needed to show anybody how tough he is. He’s a clutch player,” Staley said.
Herbert, who downplayed the injury by referring to it as a flesh wound, will undergo further tests to determine its severity.
The good news for Herbert and the Chargers (2–2) is that they have a bye week ahead.
“There’s never really a question. It was just getting fixed up and going back out there,” he said. “The pain level is not bad. It’s just one of those things that we have to monitor and see where it goes.”
Herbert faced rough moments throughout the game, including a late hit from a Raiders player that resulted in an ejection. Despite career lows in completions, attempts, and yardage, Herbert made a crucial 51-yard throw to Joshua Palmer in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
Palmer, who stepped up in the absence of injured teammate Mike Williams, praised Staley’s aggressive approach in the game’s final moments.
“I wasn’t fazed and I’m sure Justin wasn’t fazed at all,” Palmer said.
Mack’s exceptional performance included setting a new franchise record, becoming the sixth player in NFL history to achieve six sacks in a game.
Despite missing key players on defense, the Chargers managed to build a comfortable lead before the Raiders launched a comeback in the second half.
Las Vegas was on the verge of tying the game when Asante Samuel Jr. intercepted a pass at the Chargers’ 2-yard line with 2:33 remaining.
O’Connell, who started in place of the injured Jimmy Garoppolo, acknowledged his mistake and the need for improvement.
“They played man coverage and combo’d it, and right as I let it go I knew it was a bad decision,” O’Connell said. “It was a look I saw in practice, and coach did a good job of preparing me. I just got to do a better job of executing.”
Herbert’s 12-yard rushing touchdown on the opening drive of the game solidified his place in NFL history as the fifth player to achieve at least 100 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing scores in the first four seasons of a career.
The Chargers capitalized on O’Connell’s fumbles, scoring two touchdowns in the second quarter. They extended their lead to 24–7 before the Raiders mounted a late comeback.
Despite the Raiders’ efforts, the Chargers held on for the win, leaving Raiders coach Josh McDaniels to reflect on the need for improvement.
“We put ourselves in a hole here and I thought our team fought hard and fought back, but we’re gonna have to clean up some of the things that we’re doing to put us in those situations so we don’t have to feverishly scramble back at the end,” McDaniels said.
Injuries
- Raiders: WR Davante Adams left in the second quarter with a shoulder injury, but returned at the start of the second half. … CB David Long Jr. suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter.
Up Next
- Raiders: Host Green Bay on Monday, Oct. 9.
Chargers: Have their bye week before hosting Dallas on Monday, Oct. 16.
How did Falo’s critical defensive play seal the victory for the Chargers?
Falo, made a critical defensive play that sealed the victory for the Chargers. Despite the challenges they faced, the Chargers’ defense stepped up when it mattered most.
The injuries and obstacles seemed to ignite a fire in the Chargers’ players, as they fought tooth and nail for the win. Their resilience and determination were evident throughout the game, never giving up and showing their true potential.
Coach Brandon Staley praised his team’s performance, acknowledging the difficulties they faced but commending their ability to deliver their best when it mattered. The Chargers proved that they are not defined by their injuries, but by their ability to overcome adversity.
Justin Herbert’s toughness was on display as he continued to lead his team despite injuring his non-throwing hand. Wearing a splint, he showcased his skills and determination, proving to be a clutch player.
Although Herbert downplayed the severity of his injury, further tests will be done to determine the extent of the damage. The Chargers and Herbert will have a much-needed bye week to rest and recover, giving them time to prepare for future challenges.
Herbert faced some difficult moments in the game, including a late hit that resulted in an ejection of a Raiders player. Despite career lows in completions, attempts, and yardage, Herbert made a critical 51-yard throw to Joshua Palmer in the fourth quarter, solidifying the Chargers’ victory.
Palmer, who stepped up in the absence of injured teammate Mike Williams, praised Coach Staley’s aggressive approach in the game’s final moments, indicating that he and Herbert remained calm and focused despite the pressure.
Khalil Mack’s exceptional performance added to the Chargers’ victory. He set a new franchise record, becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to achieve six sacks in a game. Mack’s dominance on the field was a significant factor in the Chargers’ ability to build a comfortable lead.
Despite missing key players on defense, the Chargers managed to hold off the Raiders’ comeback in the second half. Asante Samuel Jr.’s pivotal interception at the Chargers’ 2-yard line with 2:33 remaining prevented the Raiders from tying the game. The Chargers’ defense proved its resilience and ability to step up in crucial moments.
The Chargers’ win over the Raiders is a testament to their determination, resilience, and ability to overcome adversity. Despite injuries and defensive challenges, they showcased their talent and proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. With their second straight win, the Chargers are building momentum and showing that they are a team to watch out for in the rest of the season.
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