Key takeaways from the Chargers’ win over the Raiders
By Darrell Reese Jr.
In the 26-10 win over Oakland, what I witnessed was the Los Angeles Chargers showing complete dominance on both sides of the ball.
Philip Rivers
Rivers finished the game completing 22 out of 27 of his passes while throwing for two touchdowns and 339 yards with no turnovers. But despite his recent performances, Rivers hasn’t been getting the recognition he deserves.
To start the season, the veteran is having himself an interesting year, some would say it’s MVP worthy. Rivers has been consistent his entire career but his draft counterparts have been getting all the headlines, those being Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger.
Rivers picked the Raiders’ defense apart in Sunday’s win and it wasn’t the first time and certainly not the last. We all know Rivers has the tools to take the Chargers to the playoffs.
Keenan Allen
Keenan Allen in my eyes is one of the best wide receivers in the league and Sunday’s win proved just that. The fifth-year receiver caught eight of his nine targets for 90 yards and the Raiders secondary had no answer for him. Allen is a reliable target for Rivers on third down making him one of the best at his position.
Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler
Both running backs proved once again that they are the league’s best at what they do. They both complement each other in the running game as well as the passing game. The recognition around the league isn’t there yet but once this team starts winning more games, it’ll come.
Casey Hayward
Casey Hayward shadowed Amari Cooper the entire game while only allowing him to grab one pass for 10 yards. That was the first and only pass thrown to Cooper the whole game. If that isn’t lockdown defense than I don’t know what is.
Time for a new kicker
It’s time for Anthony Lynn to face the facts. It get’s no simpler than this, It’s time for a new kicker!
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Chargers Defense
This defense has been off to a rocky start giving up a lot of points to opposing teams. The pass rush has been nonexistent and the lack of turnovers hasn’t been there. But, Sunday’s win could be a jump start and a wake-up call for the rest of the season. Corey Liuget returned from his four-game suspension, which was a sign of optimism.
Melvin Ingram showed dominance which we all hope he can be consistent with and Derwin James continues to prove that he is Defensive Rookie of the Year so far.
Overall, this team is already miles ahead of where they were to start the season last year. That alone is a sign of a positive direction.
Rivers is having an MVP season and the only thing left is to get Joey Bosa back and prove to everyone that the Los Angeles Chargers are a force to be reckoned with.