The 1-0 Raiders head to Los Angeles on Sunday to face the 0-1 Chargers. Most accounts suggest neither team will play like their season opener would suggest. But we won't really know until they play the game. To get some insight as to what to expect from the Raiders rival Chargers this week, we spoke with Gavino Borquez from USA Today's Chargers Wire.
1. What the heck happened with the Chargers last week?
Gavino Borquez: The game started perfectly with a dominant 77-yard opening touchdown drive. However, things quickly spiraled out of control in all three phases. The offense completely lost its rhythm, especially after wide receiver Ladd McConkey exited with a rib injury in the third quarter. The fourth quarter was an absolute disaster, featuring a blocked punt, a Justin Herbert interception, and
two turnovers on downs. Ultimately, Arizona entirely dictated the pace, dominating time of possession 37:31 to 22:29.
2. Do you think the Chargers performance against the Cardinals was a one-off or did it expose some major weaknesses with this team?
GB: While some opening-week rust is normal and head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted he regretted not playing starters more in the preseason, the game exposed structural flaws that could linger. With former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter gone, new coordinator Chris O'Leary struggled in his NFL debut. The defense allowed Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett to have his way. Additionally, the Chargers frequently rotated left guards Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins III, showing uncertainty at a crucial position.
3. Who was the biggest loss for the Chargers this offseason and how do they replace that player?
GB: The most significant departure was edge rusher Odafe Oweh, who left for Washington in free agency. Oweh was a key defensive piece last season, providing a pass-rush spark alongside Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack. The Chargers struggled to generate pressure last weekend, even with first-round pick Akheem Mesidor playing a significant number of snaps.
4. Give me one under-the-radar player for the Chargers on each side of the ball
GB: Offensively, fullback Alec Ingold. Ingold is a vital cog in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system, acting as a crucial blocker and a deceptive pass-catcher out of the backfield. On the other side of the ball, second-year defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell. While his impact rarely shows up in box scores, Caldwell does the dirty work in the run game and shows weekly improvement rushing the passer.
5. Who wins this game? How? Score prediction?
GB: Expect the Chargers to learn from their mistakes in Week 1 and be motivated as ever to avoid starting the season 0-2. Justin Herbert should be more comfortable, even if Ladd McConkey is out. Omarion Hampton should have a bigger impact. Defensively, Chris O'Leary will adjust by sending heavier blitz packages to disrupt Kirk Cousins, forcing the Raiders into uncomfortable third-and-long situations.
Chargers 24, Raiders 17
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Previewing Raiders Week 2 game with Chargers Wire
