Four days ago, the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense looked lethargic after failing to put points on the board in their 3-0 Week 14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 15, the same team went on a barrage, putting up 63 points against their division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers.
That’s a franchise record, beating the 59 points the 2010 Raiders registered against the Denver Broncos. The Raiders did not leave their fate to chance by scoring 42 first-half points. That’s also their biggest halftime margin in franchise history.
Las Vegas’ 63 points marks the first time since 1972 that two teams scored at least 60 points in one season. The Miami Dolphins scored 70 against the Denver Broncos in Week 3.
FINAL: @Raiders drop a 60-burger #LACvsLV pic.twitter.com/Sjauk2V4kD
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2023
The team stats show minimal difference between the two teams. The Raiders had 378 total yards, while the Chargers had 326. However, Las Vegas made the most of their opportunities on both offense and defense.
Antonio Pierce oversaw a defense that scored two touchdowns. John Jenkins had a 44-yard touchdown return off a formed fumble by Malcolm Koonce. Jack Jones had a 16-yard interception return for six points in the next drive.
Beyond those scores, the Raiders offense outplayed the Chargers, who are playing without starting quarterback Justin Herbert. Jakobi Meyers caught a touchdown pass and threw another one to Davante Adams. Zamir White and Brandon Bolden had one rushing touchdown each.
Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell had a commendable performance, finishing with 20 completions for 248 yards and four touchdowns. Aside from Meyers, he also threw touchdown passes to Michael Meyer and Tre Tucker.
Meanwhile, Adams had his second 100-yard game this season, finishing with eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. The victory keeps the Raiders’ playoff hopes alive at 6-8, ending their three-game losing streak.
Conversely, the loss puts another dent in the Chargers’ once-promising season. At 5-9, they are pulling further from their AFC West rivals.
The Raiders will try to keep their momentum going in Week 16 against the Kansas City Chiefs. On the other hand, the Chargers will try to bounce back versus the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium next week.
-Lance Fernandez