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Chargers dominate on defense, open Jim Harbaugh era with win over Raiders
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Chargers dominate on defense, open Jim Harbaugh era with win over Raiders

Inglewood, CA, Sunday, September 8, 2024 - Bud Dupree, linebacker of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Jim Harbaugh made a convincing first impression in his debut as coach of the Chargers, as the team powered a suffocating defense to a 22-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

The Chargers, who have lost eight of their last nine games, ushered in their new era with a dominant defense that allowed just one touchdown and forced three takeaways. Running back JK Dobbins came alive in the second half, rushing for 131 of his 135 yards after halftime as the Chargers (1-0) avenged an embarrassing 42-point loss to the Raiders last December.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw the game-sealing touchdown to rookie receiver Ladd McConkey with 3:40 left. Herbert, returning from a broken finger that sidelined him for the end of last season, finished with 144 yards on 17 of 26 passing.

Read more: From player to coach, Jim Harbaugh brings a fighting spirit to his Chargers

During the first half, the Chargers failed to score touchdowns on two Raiders turnovers that put them in opposing territory. Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II gave the Chargers an inexplicable fumble when the ball slipped out of his hand on an attempted screen pass with 1 minute, 22 seconds left in the first half. Khalil Mack picked up the loose ball and put the Chargers on the Raiders’ 12-yard line.

But the Chargers managed just five more yards, having to settle for a 25-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker, who had already kicked 53 yards earlier in the first quarter after the Chargers stopped the ball on fourth-and-1 from the Raiders’ 41-yard line.

Mack, who had a personal-best 17 sacks last season, had 1œ sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a tipped pass that resulted in an interception in the fourth quarter by defensive lineman Poona Ford.

Read more: 🏈 Chargers-Raiders recap

The only defensive blemish came on a comical error when Asante Samuel Jr. missed a tackle on Raiders running back Alexander Mattison and the Chargers cornerback tripped teammate Daiyan Henley as the linebacker rushed for support. Undaunted, Mattison raced into the end zone for a 31-yard score.

The Chargers won their fourth straight game against their AFC West rivals at SoFi Stadium, where the Raiders typically have a clear advantage in the stands.

Raiders players waved their arms to the crowd for more noise on crucial third downs. After scoring their final touchdown, it was Chargers players who whipped up the home crowd.

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.