The Los Angeles Chargers have been in entrance of a nationwide TV viewers twice in two weeks.
Their closeups have gone effectively.
In Brazil, the Chargers received an early signature win in Week 1 by beating the Kansas City Chiefs, who’ve received the AFC West 9 years in a row. Week 2 was tough. Back from São Paulo, the Chargers needed to journey once more to face a Las Vegas Raiders crew that additionally received its opener and seemed a lot improved from final season.
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The Chargers handed the check and did so simply Monday evening. Their protection did job limiting the Raiders and intercepted quarterback Geno Smith 3 times. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert performed effectively once more. The Chargers have two divisional wins to start out the season after beating the Raiders, 20-9.
That form of begin was essential if the Chargers wish to lastly knock the Chiefs off their pedestal within the division. It’s early, however they now have a two-game lead on the Chiefs.
Raiders fall behind early
The evening began in an ominous approach for the Raiders. Chargers security Alohi Gilman broke on a Smith throw, deflected it and linebacker Daiyan Henley made a pleasant catch as he trailed the play.
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Smith, who performed very effectively in Week 1, had too many dangerous throws within the first half. Two have been intercepted, together with one late within the half after the Chargers had taken an 11-point lead.
Herbert fully outplayed Smith. His 60-yard landing to Quentin Johnston late within the second quarter was a good looking deep throw. Herbert was unbelievable in a Week 1 win over the Chiefs, and he continued that proper into Week 2.
The Raiders weren’t getting a lot from tight finish Brock Bowers, who was enjoying via a knee damage, and rookie operating again Ashton Jeanty, who was being oddly underutilized and had simply 30 yards within the first half. Combine that with Smith urgent on too many throws, and the Raiders have been in bother early.
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Chargers D has a powerful evening
The Raiders seemed good on offense in Week 1, with Smith having 9 completions of 20 yards or extra. Even with out Khalil Mack for most of the game, after he exited with an elbow injury, the Chargers did a nice job shutting Las Vegas down.
The Raiders nonetheless had hope within the fourth quarter after they drove to the Chargers’ 15-yard line with a bit greater than six minutes left, trailing 20-9. Then Jeanty misplaced 5 yards on a catch, and Smith threw his third interception as he tried to drive a cross into the top zone. Safety Derwin James Jr. tipped it and Donte Jackson picked it off. That primarily ended the Raiders’ probabilities to win.
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The begin to the season couldn’t have gone a lot better for the Chargers, although the Mack damage is worrisome. Herbert seems even higher than final season, when he took a giant step with Jim Harbaugh as his head coach. The Chargers have a number of weapons producing on offense. Their protection had a stellar evening Monday. The Chargers can be even higher if they will get a run sport going, which has been a uncommon weak spot early this season.
The Chargers are 2-0 to start out the season.