The Las Vegas Raiders aimed to close out their season on a high note, extending their two-game winning streak with a victory against the playoff-bound Los Angeles Chargers. While the Chargers sought to build momentum heading into the postseason, the Raiders hoped to end their campaign with a more respectable five wins rather than four.
The game began with quarterback Aidan O’Connell leading the Raiders’ offense, but their opening drive stalled after gaining just eight yards, forcing a punt. The Chargers, starting from their own 30-yard line, fared no better, punting after a three-and-out. The Raiders regained possession at their 24-yard line but again failed to advance, setting up another punt. This time, the Chargers began to find their rhythm.
Justin Herbert connected with wide receiver Quentin Johnston on a 37-yard pass, moving the Chargers to midfield. However, a sack by Raiders defensive tackle Austin Butler pushed the Chargers back 10 yards. A block-in-the-back penalty further hampered Los Angeles, but kicker Cameron Dicker missed a field goal attempt, keeping the game scoreless.
O’Connell found his stride on the Raiders’ third drive, targeting Jakobi Meyers for three consecutive completions. Though O’Connell missed tight end Brock Bowers in the end zone, kicker Daniel Carlson nailed a field goal, giving the Raiders a 3-0 lead.
The Chargers responded quickly, with Herbert hitting rookie Ladd McConkey for a 47-yard gain. Marching into the red zone, the Chargers tied the game at 3-3 with a 33-yard field goal by Dicker to close the first quarter.
The Raiders opened the second quarter strong, orchestrating a five-play, 70-yard drive capped by a Meyers touchdown. The successful extra point extended their lead to 10-3.
The Chargers answered with a 15-play drive, but a holding penalty pushed them back, forcing them to settle for another field goal, narrowing the Raiders’ lead to 10-6. With just over five minutes left in the half, the Raiders held a slim advantage.
As the two-minute warning approached, the Chargers gained momentum, advancing downfield in nine plays and kicking their third field goal to make it 10-9. A late interception by the Chargers with 38 seconds remaining set them up for a pivotal scoring opportunity. Herbert connected with Johnston again, moving the Chargers into the red zone. They capitalized with their first touchdown of the game, followed by a successful two-point conversion, turning a one-point deficit into a 17-10 lead.
The Raiders headed into halftime trailing 17-10, with a challenging second half ahead.
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