The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Las Vegas Raiders 22-10. While the points were scored on the back of big runs by JK Dobbins, this game was won by the clutch performance of the defense led by Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.
One of the biggest decisions the Chargers had to make this offseason was who to keep and who to move on from. They decided to cut Mike Williams, trade Keenan Allen, and keep both Bosa and Mack.
Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa Deliver Win For Chargers
It remains to be seen if they made the right choice but in this game, those two were the difference makers.
Mack had three tackles including 1.5 sacks and a tackle for loss. He also had deflected a pass to set up a fourth and long late in the game. Bosa led the team with seven tackles including a sack and a tackle for loss. He also saved a first down with a shoestring tackle on a scrambling Mischew. He also caused a fumble that turned the tide of the game.
Raiders quarterback Gardner Mischew was allowed less than 2.5 seconds to throw on average. Bosa and Mack combined for over 10 pressures.
As a team the Chargers sacked Minschew four times, forcing a loss of yardage of 32 yards. They held the Raiders to just 6.2 yards per catch and 3.2 yards per rush. They allowed just 5 first downs of 14 tries on third down and stuffed a fourth and 1 attempt.
They weren’t able to keep the Raiders out of the end zone but held them to just one trip into the red area. That ended in a field goal.
Both Derwin James and Daiyan Henley also contributed seven total tackles. Morgan Fox was credited with .5 sacks. Poona Ford also had a standout performance with three tackles, one for a loss. He added two deflected passes and a quarterback hit. He was also able to haul in an interception.
