LAS VEGAS — Just two days after the thrilling boxing match where Terence Crawford beat Canelo Álvarez, Allegiant Stadium transformed back into a football haven for a riveting matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and their AFC West rival, the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Chargers emerged victorious with a decisive 20-9 score, marking their second straight victory of the season and solidifying their top position in the AFC West standings. The action was filled with tension and excitement as Los Angeles never trailed in the contest, leading the way from the very start.
WINNERS
Chargers’ Defense
One of the standout performances came from the Chargers’ defense, which was formidable throughout the night. Linebacker Daiyan Henley made an immediate impact by intercepting a deflected pass from Geno Smith on the first play, setting the tone for the Chargers’ defensive dominance.
Deflections seemed to be a theme, with the Chargers achieving an impressive eight pass deflections in the first half and a total of 15 total for the game, along with three interceptions. This aggressive strategy effectively stifled the Raiders’ offense, preventing them from finding the end zone. Henley was particularly outstanding, recording a game-high of 10 tackles, one sack, an interception, and two pass deflections. Alongside him, safety Derwin James Jr. showed remarkable skills with seven tackles and two pass deflections.
However, it wasn’t all good news for the Chargers. Star pass-rusher Khalil Mack suffered an elbow injury early in the game and was unable to return, leaving fans concerned about his status going forward.
Quentin Johnston
On the offensive side, rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston dazzled the crowd with a spectacular 60-yard touchdown catch late in the second quarter, extending the Chargers’ lead to 17-6. He finished the game with three catches for 71 yards and has now tallied three touchdowns in just two weeks—a promising start for the young receiver.
Cameron Dicker
In addition to the offensive successes, kicker Cameron Dicker achieved a significant milestone, becoming the most accurate kicker in NFL history for players with a minimum of 100 attempts. His precision helped seal the victory with two successful field goals.
Rivalry Revived
This matchup also rekindled the coaching rivalry between Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. With the Chargers’ win, Harbaugh improved his record against Carroll to 5-5 in their coaching careers, showcasing the competitive spirit that has defined their relationship over the years.
Celebration at Allegiant Stadium
Allegiant Stadium was certainly the place to be this past weekend. Just two days following the high-profile boxing event, the venue again buzzed with excitement as it hosted “Monday Night Football.” Crawford himself made a return visit to the stadium, proudly donning his new championship belt, highlighting the dual celebration of athletic prowess in Las Vegas.
LOSERS
Raiders’ Offense
On the flip side, the Raiders’ offense struggled significantly, facing a barrage from the Chargers’ defense. The home crowd’s impatience was palpable, with boos echoing through the stadium as the team failed to capitalize on several opportunities. The Raiders made a puzzling decision to let the third quarter run out despite being down by two scores, which elicited frustration from their fans.
Ultimately, they ended up settling for a field goal after a lengthy 19-play drive, further disappointing the crowd as they remained out of the end zone for the entirety of the game.
Geno Smith
Quarterback Geno Smith had a night to forget, typified by his interception on the very first play. He struggled to find his rhythm, throwing three interceptions and having 15 of his passes deflected. Smith completed 24 of 43 attempts for just 180 yards, resulting in a dismal passer rating of 37—a stark contrast to what the Raiders needed from their leader.
Kansas City Chiefs
The evening’s outcome also cast a shadow on the Kansas City Chiefs, who find themselves unexpectedly at the bottom of the AFC West standings at 0-2. Having won the division for nine consecutive years, this season’s early struggles suggest that the competition is fiercer than ever, particularly with the Chargers’ strong performance.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Winners, losers from Chargers’ Monday night win over Raiders