{"id":1399345,"date":"2025-09-16T08:57:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-16T07:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&p=1399345"},"modified":"2025-09-25T16:07:04","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T15:07:04","slug":"game-recap-las-vegas-raiders-9-20-los-angeles-chargers-herbert-delivers-in-afc-west-clash","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-las-vegas-raiders-9-20-los-angeles-chargers-herbert-delivers-in-afc-west-clash\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: Las Vegas Raiders 9-20 Los Angeles Chargers \u2013 Herbert delivers in AFC West clash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In gameweek 2 of the 2025 NFL season at Allegiant Stadium, the Los Angeles Chargers moved to 2-0 with a decisive 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders (now 1-1). Quarterback Justin Herbert showcased poise and arm talent, steering the Chargers to an early lead that Las Vegas never overturned. In front of 62,526 fans in controlled dome conditions, Los Angeles displayed balance on both sides of the ball, outlasting a Raiders side that could not capitalise in the red zone. This is a significant early-season AFC West result, especially given how the Chargers handled key pressure moments on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Raiders\u2019 opening sequence led to disaster\u2014as Geno Smith\u2019s first pass was intercepted by Daiyan Henley, gifting the Chargers excellent field position. Cameron Dicker slotted a 38-yard field goal for Los Angeles (3-0). Las Vegas responded with a 54-yard Daniel Carlson field goal (3-3) after a sustained drive but failed to reach the end zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herbert\u2019s deep connections and a dynamic run game (notably Najee Harris and Herbert\u2019s own scrambles) brought the Chargers into the red zone late in Q1. He found Keenan Allen for a 10-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 10-3 after Dicker\u2019s PAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Discipline and pressure continued to tilt the field. Las Vegas managed a long drive ending with another Carlson field goal (40 yards) but were consistently set back by sacks (notably by Khalil Mack and Jamaree Caldwell) and penalties. Herbert led a highlight 91-yard TD drive, capped with a 60-yard bomb to Quentin Johnston, who streaked past man coverage for the score, putting the Chargers ahead 17-6 at the half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Special teams and red-zone defence kept the Raiders at bay. Despite a marathon 19-play drive, Las Vegas were stalled at the 18 and settled for yet another field goal. Dicker replied with his third field goal of the evening, this time from just 20 yards, making it 20-9 at the close of the third. Key run stops by the Los Angeles defensive front (Stokes, Chinn, Henley) snuffed out Vegas\u2019 efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fourth Quarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With the lead secure, the Chargers dialled up pressure and forced the Raiders into two crucial turnovers: a deep end zone INT by Donte Jackson and a fumble recovery by Adam Butler after a Herbert botched snap. Herbert and the run game then effectively managed the clock, kneeling out the final minutes after gaining key first downs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Player Observations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n