The much-maligned Las Vegas Raiders defense made a stand against the Los Angeles Chargers and now hold a 5-3 record.
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther’s unit has been picked on all year and this game was not much of an exception. Los Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns. Nevertheless, the Raiders defense held on for the victory in Los Angeles. As the old saying goes,” a win is a win.”
Can the #Raiders put this one away?#RaiderNation
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) November 8, 2020
Guenther’s defensive backfield was picked on through the air by the rookie quarterback all game. Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen amassed 103 yards and a touchdown while Tyron Johnson caught a 50-yard pass.
Related: Raiders DL Johnathan Hankins Anchoring Run Defense
Did The Raiders Defense Stop The Run?
On the ground, the Chargers were unable to have much of an impact on the ground. In fact, no running back went over 100 rushing yards for Los Angeles. Kalen Ballage totaled 69 yards, averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and found the endzone once. On a side note, Herbert did break out for an 11-yard run as the rookie did everything in his power to try and get this win.
The last time the #Raiders blew a double-digit lead and lost to the Chargers came in Lane Kiffin’s final game as coach in 2008. They led 15-0 and lost 28-18
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) November 8, 2020
This one came down literally to the last play with just one second left on the clock, Raiders cornerback Isaiah Johnson covered the Chargers receiver on that final play. Josh Dubow of the Associated Press highlighted that the last time the Raiders blew a double-digit lead against the Chargers was back in 2008. The Silver and Black’s defense is very still a concerning weakness on this team. Yet, a win is a win and this team can rest easy knowing they’re 5-3.
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*Top Photo: Dylan Bouscher/Bay Area News Group