Justin Herbert controls sport in Chargers’ win over Raiders

LAS VEGAS — A lot of the main focus going into the Los Angeles Chargers‘ 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night time was on the matchup between the 2 coaches — Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. Two teaching giants with a two-decade-old rivalry renewed on “Monday Evening Soccer.”

The sport mirrored two groups that embody their coach’s mindsets — bodily offensive and defensive strains, huge hits and two bodily first-round operating backs. In the end, Harbaugh’s Chargers dominated this sport primarily from begin to end — with an efficient passing assault and stingy protection that did not enable a landing and compelled Raiders quarterback Geno Smith to throw three interceptions.

The Chargers start the season 2-0 for the second straight season and the third time since 2012, and so they maintain sole possession of first place within the AFC West. Although, it wasn’t all excellent news as Khalil Mack exited the sport early after sustaining an elbow harm.

Listed here are crucial issues to know from Monday night time for each groups:

QB efficiency: The Chargers received off to a gradual begin Monday night time, however quarterback Justin Herbert rapidly settled in, selecting aside the Raiders’ protection for 242 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 31 speeding yards. In Yr 2 with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Herbert seems to be as snug as he has in his profession, each throwing and speeding the ball, a very good signal for the Chargers’ ceiling.

Pattern to observe: Roman seems to be shifting away from operating the ball. The Chargers did not try a rush till 4:52 left within the first quarter Monday night time. They completed the sport with 54 designed speeding yards. However Roman is not shifting away from the run for no motive. The Chargers’ offensive line has struggled to create lanes for the operating backs, whereas L.A. has had nice move safety and success by the air. This offense might look very totally different from how Harbaugh-Roman groups have traditionally seemed.

Stat to know: Quentin Johnston is the primary Chargers participant with three receiving touchdowns within the group’s first two video games of a season since tight finish Antonio Gates in 2014. Johnston, who has struggled because the Chargers chosen him within the first spherical two seasons in the past, is having an electrical begin to this season with 150 yards and three touchdowns by the primary two video games. — Kris Rhim

Subsequent sport: vs. Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)

It is clear that Smith could make any throw on the sector. Nevertheless, his confidence in his arm generally is a reward and a curse.

Smith had three interceptions Monday, and so they all occurred when he tried to throw the ball into double protection — together with on the primary play of the sport. He damage his group’s comeback possibilities when he tried a landing move to Jakobi Meyers with 5:58 to go within the fourth quarter, however the ball was tipped and picked off by cornerback Donte Jackson.

Turning level: The Raiders have been pretty stable for the primary half till the ultimate two minutes. Herbert discovered Johnston extensive open down the sector for a 60-yard landing to provide Los Angeles a 20-6 lead earlier than halftime.

Stat to know: Smith was 0-for-12 on move makes an attempt for 10-plus air yards. That is a giant distinction from his efficiency in opposition to the New England Patriots within the season opener, when he went 9-for-14 on makes an attempt for greater than 10 yards.

Pattern to observe: Brock Bowers‘ knee harm. There was a sigh of reduction pregame when Bowers was formally energetic after being listed as questionable due to a knee harm. Nevertheless, his manufacturing was restricted. Bowers had simply 5 catches for 38 yards. He had only one catch within the first half. Bowers missed two days of apply earlier than being a restricted participant Saturday. In opposition to the Chargers, Bowers did not look 100% wholesome and it is one thing to watch shifting ahead. — Ryan McFadden

Subsequent sport: at Washington Commanders (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)