The Chargers have three clear keys to beating the Raiders: keep Justin Herbert upright, limit Brock Bowers if he’s able to play and avoid costly turnovers. After the Week 1 loss to Arizona, Los Angeles needs to play a cleaner, more consistent game.
After a disappointing loss to the Cardinals in Week 1, the Los Angeles Chargers have a chance to get back on track when they take on the Raiders this Sunday. Los Angeles has plenty to clean up, especially after struggling to find consistency on both sides of the ball.
The Raiders are coming off a 27-13 win over the Dolphins, so this is not a game the Chargers can afford to overlook. Here are three keys to getting the win.
1. Keep Justin Herbert Upright
The Chargers have to do a better job of protecting Justin Herbert.
The Raiders have one of the league’s best pass rushers in Maxx Crosby, and he is going to be a major problem for the Chargers’ offensive line. Joe Alt will have his hands full, while the interior of the line will also need to hold up against pressure.
Herbert didn’t have a terrible statistical game against Arizona, finishing with 209 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but the offense struggled to consistently move the ball. Giving him time to operate is going to be especially important if Ladd McConkey is unable to play.
If the Chargers can keep Herbert clean, it should give Mike McDaniel’s offense a much better chance to find the rhythm it was missing in Week 1.
2. Don’t Allow Brock Bowers to Hurt You
The status of Brock Bowers is still unclear heading into Sunday’s game.
Bowers missed the Raiders’ Week 1 win over Miami after undergoing a meniscus procedure and has yet to practice this week. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak has called him day-to-day, so there is still a possibility that he could return against the Chargers.
Whether Bowers plays or not, the Chargers have to be prepared for him.
If he is on the field, Derwin James and the Chargers’ linebackers will have a major responsibility in trying to limit one of the most dangerous tight ends in football. If Bowers doesn’t play, Michael Mayer and the rest of the Raiders’ offense will have to take on a bigger role.
The Chargers can’t allow Bowers to become the player who changes the game if he is healthy enough to suit up.
3. Don’t Turn the Ball Over
This one seems obvious, but it was a major problem late against Arizona.
The Chargers were in position to make a comeback before a blocked punt and an interception helped swing the game completely in the Cardinals’ favor. Herbert’s interception came near the goal line and essentially ended any realistic chance of a comeback.
Against a Raiders team that just scored 27 points in its opener, the Chargers can’t afford to give away possessions.
The offense needs to be aggressive, but there is a difference between being aggressive and making unnecessary mistakes. If the Chargers protect the football, protect Herbert and limit the impact of Bowers, they should put themselves in a much better position to get their first win of the season.
