The Las Vegas Raiders opened their 2024 season with a 22-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that was closer than the score indicates.
The Raiders held a 7-6 lead at halftime largely due to a defensive unit that generated consistent pressure against Justin Herbert and kept the Chargers out of the end zone.
That continued in the second half, but the Chargers eventually scored 10 unanswered points to take a 16-7 lead. The Raiders trimmed the deficit to six when Daniel Carlson nailed a 32-yard field goal with just over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
After forcing a three-and-out, the Raiders got the ball back with a chance to retake the lead. The drive started at the team’s 48-yard line thanks to a 21-yard punt return by Tre Tucker.
Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce explains why he opted to punt on 4th-and-1 at midfield following the Raiders season opening loss against the Chargers.
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However, the Raiders weren’t able to take advantage, as they gained just nine yards in three plays. With the ball at the Chargers’ 43-yard line and just over seven minutes left in regulation, head coach Antonio Pierce made the questionable call to punt.
“We considered going for it,” Pierce said after the game. “It was a long one, it got stopped earlier in the game. Momentum.
“Punter had done a good job pinning those guys back. I think we had two or three punts inside the 20. Defense was a strength for the most part of the game. Keep them backed up with three timeouts.”
The decision to punt backfired as the Chargers went right down the field and scored another touchdown to ice the game. The drive was capped by a 61-yard run, which put L.A. in the red zone. Herbert then threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Ladd McConkey.
“When the game is on the line, we got to fill out the run correctly,” Pierce said. “And guys got to get off blocks, and second-level players got fit over. We did a poor job of that.”
“But hats off to them. “They stay consistent with their game. They didn’t beat themselves.”
Up Next for Raiders
After a disappointing loss in Week 1, the Raiders will look to get back on track when they face Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Ravens are coming off a loss themselves so that both teams will be vying for their first win of the season.