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Chargers Beat Raiders, Jim Harbaugh Wins Another NFL Opener

Vaseline September 9, 2024

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Things weren’t looking good in the first half, but Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers are up 1-0.

The Chargers rallied after a slow start, scoring 16 points in the second half to beat the Las Vegas Raiders 22-10 in Week 1.

Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense struggled to move the ball through the air. But Los Angeles was sparked by three defensive takeaways and timely second-half runs by running back JK Dobbins en route to victory.

The Chargers totaled 316 yards, including 176 yards on the ground.

Harbaugh has a 5-0 record in the season openers of his NFL coaching career, dating back to his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

Here are the key takeaways from the Chargers-Raiders game in Week 1:

Chargers defense stands strong

The Chargers had three wins.

Los Angeles held the Raiders to 123 yards and seven points in the first half and kept Las Vegas out of the end zone in the second half.

The Raiders were 5-14 on third downs and 0-1 on fourth downs.

Khalil Mack made three tackles, 1.5 sacks and recovered one fumble.

JK Dobbins looks healthy

An injury-free Dobbins played rejuvenated in his Chargers debut. The Ohio State product scored the Chargers’ first touchdown of the season on a 12-yard run, breaking a bunch of tackles en route to the end zone. Dobbins had a 46-yard run and sprinted for 61 yards, all in the second half. He produced 10 carries and 135 rushing yards in the win.

Injuries have plagued Dobbins’ career. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2021 preseason. Another knee injury limited the running back to eight games in 2022, and he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 1 last season.

Chargers offense lackluster in first half

The Chargers offense struggled in the first half. The Chargers had just two first downs and went into the locker room 0-for-7 on third downs. They managed a meager 83 yards.

Los Angeles’ offense struggled to pick up the Raiders’ moves and plays, with Herbert under pressure for most of the first half.