NFL

Chargers withstand second-half challenge as Raiders suffer first loss this season

By Sports Desk October 05, 2021

The Los Angeles Chargers withstood a spirited second-half challenge from the previously unbeaten Las Vegas Raiders to win 28-14 on Monday.

The Chargers raced to a 21-0 half-time lead, before quarterback Derek Carr led the Raiders back into the game with back-to-back third-quarter touchdowns.

But unrelenting running back Austin Ekeler, who finished the game with 145 yards from 18 touches, crossed in the final quarter for his second touchdown, before Derwin James' interception from a Carr throw sealed the win.

The result means the Chargers, who beat the Kansas City Chiefs 30-24 last week, improve their record to 3-1 for the first time since 2014, while the Raiders are 3-1 in the AFC West.

After a lengthy delay due to lightning, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had an excellent first half, throwing for touchdowns to Donald Parham, Jared Cook and Ekeler, who had three receives and 15 carries.

Herbert finished with 25 from 38 attempts for 222 yards, including make 20 from 25 for 175 yards in the first half.

Comeback specialist Carr drove the Raiders response in the third quarter, throwing for a Hunter Renfrow touchdown after avoiding a fumble on a Kyler Fackrell sack in the previous play.

The Raiders suddenly had a pulse after a big defensive set as Darius Philon sacked Herbert, before Carr patiently found Darren Waller out wide to make it a one-score game.

Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson missed a 52-yard field goal after Carr found Henry Ruggs with a 51-yard pass, before the Chargers found their response, as Herbert hit up Cook, allowing Ekeler to utilise his pace and drive for a successful 11-yard run re-establishing the 14-point lead.

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