Week 1 saw the Jim Harbaugh-coached Los Angeles Chargers get their first win of the season against the Las Vegas Raiders. As a result, the Justin Herbert-led team received a slight boost in the latest NFL power rankings.
In their season opener, the Chargers secured a solid 22-10 victory against the Raiders. The game kicked off with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert leading the offense, though the team faced early challenges, including a few penalties that stalled their drives.
The first quarter ended with the Chargers trailing 7-3 after a 53-yard field goal by Cameron Dicker and a touchdown pass from the Raiders. As the second quarter progressed, the Chargers struggled to find rhythm, punting multiple times. However, their defense stepped up, highlighted by a fumble recovery by Khalil Mack that set up another field goal, narrowing the gap to 7-6 at halftime.
The Chargers opened the third quarter with a strong defensive stand, forcing a quick three-and-out. Herbert and the offense responded by scoring a 24-yard field goal, taking a 9-7 lead. The momentum continued as the defense created another turnover, allowing the Chargers to capitalize and extend their lead.
In the fourth quarter, running back J.K. Dobbins scored the Chargers’ first touchdown, followed by a passing touchdown from Herbert to rookie Ladd McCinkey, who celebrated his first NFL score. Despite a late field goal from the Raiders, the Chargers maintained control, finishing the game with a decisive win.
Los Angeles Chargers Receive Boost in NFL Power Rankings After Week 1 Win
Los Angeles win over the Raiders gave them a bump in the rankings, as seen in a pair of reports by Bleacher Report and ESPN’s Kris Rhim.
“Veteran safety Derwin James told reporters that while it may not have been pretty, Jim Harbaugh’s first game as L.A.’s head coach was one of the better team efforts he has seen during his time with the franchise.
“This is the first time I felt like we played actual, real complementary football from where the offense was struggling a little bit and we picked them up, and then we gave up a play and they came back and gave us a play, they gave us a big first down,” James said.
Now, one win over a Raiders team that looked, um, ungood in Week 1 does not fix all the issues the Chargers have. But the team has some momentum heading into next week’s trip to Carolina to face the hapless Panthers,” the Bleacher Report article stated.
“The veteran safety returned a blocked punt 21 yards for a touchdown — the first of his seven-year career. Owens’ score was the spark the Bears desperately needed (they were down 17-3 in the third quarter at the time) and it ignited a 21-point scoring stretch for Chicago on a day when its offense failed to score a touchdown. Owens signed with the Bears in the offseason as a backup safety whose special teams dependability was a major draw,” Cronin wrote.
In the upcoming Week 2 matchup, NFL analysts overwhelmingly favor the Chargers to defeat the Carolina Panthers. Pundits emphasize the Chargers’ strong roster, led by quarterback Justin Herbert and a potent offense. With the Panthers facing challenges, including injuries, expectations are high for the Chargers to secure a decisive victory on September 15.
If Los Angeles gets another win in Week 2, expect their ranking to go up once again. This can be good in building their momentum for a possible playoff run next year. In any case, fans should stay tuned to see if the Chargers could get the job done against the Panthers.
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