Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by BVN
Jon D. Gaede | BVN Sports
Khalil Mack racked up six sacks, Asante Samuel had a late fourth quarter interception, and the Charger defense rose to the occasion, as the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders in a very physical football game.
It was a full house at SoFi Stadium for another Charger-Raider AFC West rivalry game which traces back to 1960. Both franchises have moved to new cities and new stadiums, but the intensity remains. Both teams were 1-2 on the season and losing ground to Kansas City, so a victory became an early season imperative.
At about the 8:50 mark of the second quarter, Chargers led Raiders 10-7 when quarterback Justin Herbert ran the ball out of bounds, then received a late hit from Raiders, Jerry Tillery. After the play, both teams pushed and shoved each other, Tillery was ejected and an inspired Charger offense scored the next 13 points.
Herbert hurt his hand in the second half and was a modest 13 of 14 for 176 yards and one touchdown on the day, but the Charger defense and special teams rose to the occasion, shutting down Raider drives, forcing key turnovers and preserving a much-needed victory.
The Chargers will host Dallas on a Monday Night, October 16th.