Jim Harbaugh picked up his first win as Los Angeles Chargers head coach on Sunday afternoon. The 22-10 Week 1 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders wasn’t straightforward for the Chargers, who trailed 7-6 heading into halftime. Nonetheless, the second half was extra fruitful for the Chargers, who outscored the Raiders 16-3 within the second half.
Listed here are key takeaways from the Chargers efficiency.
Penalties have been an issue for the Chargers early
The Chargers had 4 false begin penalties within the first half, their most in a half since 2002. Two of the false begin penalties have been dedicated by tight finish Will Dissly, who additionally had a holding penalty within the first half. In all, the Chargers racked up seven penalties for 50 yards. The issue was that the majority of those penalties actually backed up the offense and put them into apparent passing conditions.
Chargers protection performed nice
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter put collectively an excellent recreation plan and restricted the manufacturing of the Raiders offense. The Chargers had 4 sacks and two fumble recoveries, plus a game-sealing interception by defensive sort out Poona Ford. Los Angeles stored Las Vegas to 5-of-14 on third down and 0-for-1 on fourth down. Additional, the Chargers impressively restricted star receiver Davante Adams to 5 receptions for 59 yards. The L.A. protection has playmakers resembling security Derwin James, cornerback Asantne Samuel Jr. and premier pass-rushers in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. It is not a serious shock this unit seemed actually good proper out of the gate.
Smash-mouth soccer finally ends up coming by way of for L.A.
The Chargers did not run the ball successfully within the first half, producing simply 26 yards on the bottom. The second half proved to be a special story. The Chargers completed the day with 176 dashing yards, together with 135 and one rating from former Baltimore Ravens RB J.Okay. Dobbins, who ripped off a future of 61 yards.
The balanced offensive method will preserve Justin Herbert wholesome
Justin Herbert missed most of coaching camp recovering from a foot harm and he was nonetheless listed on the harm report heading into Week 1, albeit as a formality. Herbert additionally missed the ultimate 4 video games final season after breaking the index finger on his throwing hand. Herbert has to remain wholesome to ensure that the Chargers to make a playoff run.
Harbaugh has made it clear that the offensive line should defend Herbert and that the offense must be balanced in order that “Herbert doesn’t have to be Superman each single play.” On this opening-week win over the Raiders, the dashing recreation produced and the O-line held up effectively sufficient to maintain Herbert upright. Herbert was sacked simply as soon as on Sunday, which is stellar contemplating Raiders defensive stalwart Maxx Crosby (who picked up the lone sack) has the power to wreak havoc each down.
Herbert’s stat-line was environment friendly, somewhat than eye-popping, which might occur quite a bit through the Harbaugh period. The franchise quarterback was 17-of-26 for 144 yards with one passing landing. The one stat that basically issues, although, is that the Chargers are 1-0 on the season heading right into a Week 2 matchup towards a Carolina Panthers staff that misplaced 47-10 to the New Orleans Saints.
