Bolts From The Blue
Chargers football is back it’s coming with a wave of navy blue inside SoFi Stadium.
After winning their first ever game donning the new navy alternates, the Chargers decided that the uniforms deserved a second day in the sun and I can’t think of a better opponent to play against while wearing them than the Raiders.
At 7-4, the Chargers are well in the hunt for a playoff spot. A win today would certainly boost their chances a bit, but the final five-game gauntlet that includes the Chiefs, Broncos, and Eagles will have plenty to say whether or not the Bolts are playing football in the middle of January.
Since the last time these two teams met, the Raiders have a new offensive coordinator after firing Chip Kelly only 11 games into his first season in Las Vegas. Greg Olson is now the OC for the Raiders in what will be his third stint at the position for the team in recent years.
Will it be enough to change the outcome this time around? I certainly don’t think so, but crazier things have happened in the NFL.
As long as the Chargers don’t let Maxx Crosby wreak havoc on Justin Herbert, I think this should be a very winnable matchup for Jim Harbaugh and Co.
For a complete live game recap, check it out below.
The Chargers win the coin toss and chose to defer. The Los Angeles defense was up first.
After a five-yard run by Ashton Jeanty on the first play of the game, Chargers pass rusher Tuli Tuipultu batted down a pass on second down and then split a sack of Geno Smith with Khalil Mack on third down to force a quick three-and-out.
The first offensive drive of the game for the Chargers was a long, methodical one that featured nine runs and five passes, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Quentin Johnston. It was the seventh touchdown grab by Johnston this season and the fifth opening-drive score of the season for the Bolts.
After taking just under nine minutes off the clock on the drive, the Chargers held a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.
On the first play of the ensuing Raiders drive, Smith found tight end Brock Bowers on a short crosser that he took for a 27-yard gain to immediately get into Chargers territory. From there, the LA defense stepped up again with Derwin James sacking Smith on third down to force another punt.
During that Raiders drive, Justin Herbert jogged into the locker room with trainers and reports noted that they were looking at his left hand following him being tackle by Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn just before the touchdown pass to Johnston.
When the Chargers got the ball back, backup Trey Lance came into the game to lead the offense. Just before the period came to an end, Kimani Vidal ripped off a nine-yard run to give the Chargers a first down...
