In the last Thursday Night Football game of the year, the Los Angeles Chargers went to battle against the Las Vegas Raiders, their division rival in a must-win game for the Raiders. Despite this, the Chargers came out on top in an overtime thriller by a score of 30-27. Let us analyze the key components to victory for the Chargers and what went wrong for Las Vegas.

Herbert Leads the Way

Since he took over in week two, rookie QB Justin Herbert has emerged as a rookie of the year favorite has taken the league by storm. He has gotten better every week and is proving his worth in the NFL. Against the Raiders, Herbert paced the offense with 314 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with the game-winning rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak in overtime. His second passing touchdown, which was a 26-yard dime to WR Tyron Johnson, tied Browns QB Baker Mayfield for the most passing touchdowns in a rookie season. Mayfield threw 27 in 2018. With two games to go, Herbert is poised to shatter this record with the opportunity to get to 30.

Even with receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams on a snap count due to injury, the Chargers were able to move the ball in the air, led by WR Jalen Guyton, TE Hunter Henry, and WR Tyron Johnson. Guyton had four catches for 91 yards, while Henry and Johnson found the endzone and combined for 126 yards. As for the ground game, RB Austin Ekeler totaled 60 yards on 13 carries, while RB Kalen Ballage added a touchdown in the victory.

Defense Bends, But Does Not Break

All season long, the Chargers defense has been inconsistent and plagued with injuries. In this game, the defense did just enough to secure the victory. LB Nick Vigil recorded the only sack and tied for the lead in tackles on the day, along with rookie LB Kenneth Murray. They each recorded seven. Los Angeles forced one turnover against backup QB Marcus Mariota, an interception by Chris Harris Jr. on a throw behind WR Zay Jones. While they bent for 449 yards, they did not break, highlighted by a key goal-line stop in overtime that forced the Raiders to a field goal. 

Time Running Out for Vegas

Through nine games, the Raiders were 6-3 with statement wins over the Chiefs, Saints, and Browns while coming off a dominant win over the Denver Broncos. Since then, Las Vegas has lost four out of five and the one win came against the winless Jets on a miracle play. They are now 7-7 and need a lot of help to make the playoffs. The Browns, Colts, and Titans already have nine wins, while the Dolphins and Raiders have eight. With only two games left, it is not looking likely to make the playoffs after such a promising start. QB Derek Carr is injured, the defense cannot stop anyone, and they are just in their own way too many times and it may have cost them a spot in the postseason in 2020.

Looking Ahead

Heading into Week 16, the Los Angeles Chargers will look to make it three in a row and continue to finish their season strong against the Denver Broncos (5-8) at home in a divisional matchup. As for the Raiders, they will play on Saturday night against the Miami Dolphins (8-5) in another must-win situation. If the Raiders lose, they will officially be eliminated from playoff contention.

Info from profootballreference.com

Writer

-By: Richie Dordas

        Las Vegas, NV: Looks like Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes can hold grudges, especially against division rivals that take victory laps in their team bus around Arrowhead stadium. In their last meet up in week 5, the Las Vegas Raiders outdueled the Chiefs through the air, holding them to “just” 32 points while putting up 40, and forcing Mahomes to throw his only pick of the season (up until Sunday night). With that score on the mind, along with that victory lap nonsense, Kansas City went into the Death Star looking for redemption and retribution. And they came out with exactly that, as a late Derek Carr-interception by safety Daniel Sorensen killed any hopes for a Raiders comeback, as KC escapes Sin City with a 35-31 win. 

 

Mahomes Magic Doesn’t Get Old 

            Earlier this month, former NFL safety and current ESPN TV personality Ryan Clark said NFL fans and viewers are developing “Patrick Mahomes Fatigue,” that we as a viewing audience are growing tired of watching Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes throw from impossible angles, hitting dimes on deep passes throw shrinking windows, and pulling come-from-behind victories out of thin air. Well, Ryan Clark, you may be taking Mahomes’ magic for granted, but there’s still a good portion of NFL Fans that still get mesmerized every time the ball is in his hands, especially against the Raiders on Sunday night. SNF started off slow for the reigning Super Bowl MVP, with KC opting for more of a power-run heavy approach with the two-headed back machine that is rookie halfback Clyde Edwards-Helaire and newly-signed running back Le’Veon Bell. Combined, the two racked up 94 rushing yards on 21 carries (4.47 yards per carry) and three all three of KC’s rushing touchdowns (CEH with 2, Bell with 1). But that approach was short-lived, as Las Vegas began scoring fast and often, not punting until their fifth drive of the game. Reid knew he had to let Mahomes loose onto the Raiders depleted defense, especially on Kansas City’s last drive. Down three points with 1:15 left, Mahomes fired on all cylinders, finding Tyreek Hill (11/102/1), Demarcus Robinson (6/44), and running back Darrel Williams (3/22) as the offense made their way downfield. He capped the drive off with a 22-yard dart to his favorite target Travis Kelce (8/127/1), who had no defender within 5 yards of him, for the game-sealing touchdown. Mahomes’ stats for the night; 34/45 (75.5 completion percentage) for 348 yards, two passing touchdowns, and an ugly interception he threw near the end of the first half to cornerback Trayvon Mullen. The division is KC’s to lose, and despite having the 15thtoughest remaining schedule, a realistic loss doesn’t seem to be on the horizon. 

Bet Big, Lose Big 

            Can anyone tell me who the gunslinging, risk-taking, deep-pass hitter that was wearing number four tonight for the Raiders was because there is no way that was the same Derek Carr we’ve grown to love and be frustrated with? Since his MVP-like season back in 2016, Carr developed a “Captain Checkdown” reputation, in that he never went for the deep balls opportunities, often going for the dump-offs and short routes and slowly make his way down the field. But ever since Jon Gruden made his way back to the silver and black, he’s helped Carr into developing more trust in his downfield options. Paired with a great ground-and-pound attack that consists of second-year back Josh Jacobs (17/55/1) and former Bronco halfback Devontae Booker (5/16), along with some speedy passing weapons in tight end Darren Waller (7/88/1), former Eagles wideout Nelson Agholor (6/88/1), rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (1/5), and shifty slot receiver Hunter Renfrow (2/37), as well a competent, healthy offensive line that can protect him, and Derek Carr has no excuse to fail. And so far, he hasn’t. Carr isn’t lighting up the stats sheet like his contemporary Mahomes (23/31 [74 completion percentage] for 275 yards, three touchdowns, and a game-ending pick vs the Chiefs), but he’s done a great job in getting the ball into the hands of his playmakers, limiting mistakes (came into the game with just two interceptions on the season), and taking the deep-field risks when they’re there. And typically, that approach works on almost any opponent. Almost. With Patrick Mahomes being the other QB you’re facing, even your best just isn’t enough. 

What’s coming next? 

            Las Vegas won’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption after that loss, as they fly down to Atlanta to take on a Falcons squad that just got smacked in the face Taysom Hill and the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. As for the Chiefs, it’s a rematch of GOAT QB’s for Mahomes and KC, as they travel down to Tampa Bay to take on Tom Brady and a top-rated Buccaneers defense.  

Writer

 -By: Juan Guarin-Camargo

   Las Vegas, NV – In the Super Bowl era, Home teams are 6-3 on their opening debuts in new stadiums. Make that 7-3 now, as the Las Vegas Raiders not only pulled off their first home win at Allegiant Stadium, they did so by stunning a play-off caliber New Orleans Saints team, beating them 34-24 thanks to the old-school play-calling style by head coach Jon Gruden on offense, and taking advantage of a clearly washed-up Drew Brees on defense.  

Carr, Jacobs, and Waller make up Raiders’ Triplets 

            Prior to the start of the season, Raiders quarterback Derek Carr told the media that he was tired of being disrespected. Seems like the whole Raiders offense got the message, like Carr, along with second-year halfback Josh Jacobs and underrated (and bargain-priced) tight end Darren Waller have gone on an absolute tear in 2020, with their individual performances against the Saints being the epitome of their rising production. Carr went 28/38 (52% completion) for 282 passing yards and three touchdowns. The game didn’t start off so hot for Carr, as he was sacked on back to back plays because he held on to the ball way too long (coverage sacks by David Onyemata and Malcolm Jenkins). But at the start of the second quarter, Carr was a changed quarterback; looking comfortable in the pocket and quick in his decision making.  

His favorite target of the night; tight end Darren Waller, who caught 12 balls for 103 yards and a touchdown. The Saints defense had no answer for the 6’6 tight end, as he humiliated proven veterans like safety Malcolm Jenkins, corner Janoris Jenkins, and middle linebacker Demario Davis. “He’s battled an addiction to get here. He’s a success story, and that’s something I love seeing,” Carr said about his tight end in his post-game presser. On the ground game, Josh Jacobs ran like a man running with purpose against that stellar Saints front seven, grinding out 88 rushing yards on 27 carries. Jacobs fits the running back mold Coach Gruden looks for; hard-hitting, quick on his feet, and capable making plays in the air (Jacobs: 3 catches, 17 yards). Paired with a speedy Jalen Richard (2-26-1), and Gruden has a rushing attack that could rival Cleveland’s backfield.  

As for the Raiders defense, rookie defensive back David Arnette showed why he was taken in the first round, compiling seven solo tackles on the day, while veteran linebacker Nicholas Murrow picked off Drew Brees late in the second quarter. Second-year Johnathan Abrams played well in his third career game after missing most of last year with a torn rotator cuff. Against the Saints, he had four tackles and a pass deflection. 

2020 Drew Brees = 2015 Peyton Manning 

             Drew Brees may be 41-years-old, but against the Raiders, he played…like a 41-year-old man. Don’t let the numbers fool you (26/38-312-1-1), Brees’ arm looked like a noodle, as the future-Hall-of-Famer looked like he lost that zip in his passing game. Head coach Sean Payton’s plan going in was rather conservative: give running back Alvin Kamara as many touches as possible, while limiting Brees to short-to-medium passes, nothing that requires him to throw more than 15-20 yards down the field. Kamara looked like his 2018 Offensive rookie of the year self, leading the Saints both in rushing (13-79-2) and receiving (9-95) yards for a total 174 yards from scrimmage. The rest of the receiving corps was serviceable, but the Michael Thomas-sized hole in the offense is too evident to ignore. Free-agent acquisition Emmanuel Sanders was supposed to try to fill the said hole, but he didn’t register a catch until less than two minutes left in the game. 

            On defense, that top 10-ranked defense started the game off looking like an elite unit, but crumbled and withered during the course of the game, especially when it came to penalties. Las Vegas only registered three penalties for a loss of 13 yards on the night. New Orleans had 10 penalties for a loss of 129 yards, with a good chunk of that yardage coming off defensive holding and pass interference calls. Safety Malcolm Jenkins looked like a shell of his former self, while star-defensive tackle Cameron Jordan could only register five tackles the whole night, none for a loss. 

What’s next? 

            Las Vegas took down a playoff-caliber team in the Saints, but their true test will come next Sunday, as the Black and Silver travel to Foxboro to take on a Patriots team looking to avenge their Sunday Night Football loss to Seattle the other night. 

            As for New Orleans, they host a Packers team that tore two NFC North opponents apart in the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, respectively. Aaron Rodgers is playing with the same mindset as Derek Carr: he’s tired of the disrespect, and the Saints are his next target of anger. 

Writer

-By: Juan Guarin-Camargo