The Raiders opened the 2024 season with a 22-10 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Silver and Black are now 31-23 in season openers and 68-59-2 against the Chargers. Here are some key takeaways and metrics from Sunday's game.
Limiting the Chargers Offense
The Raiders defense played a dominant first half, allowing just 83 yards of offense on 23 plays, two first downs and zero third-down conversions (0-7). The Chargers finished just 4-of-15 on third down.
The 83 yards are the fewest allowed in a first half by the Raiders since 2019 (75 yards vs. Jacksonville; 12/15/19).
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert totaled the second-fewest passing yards in the first half of a game in his career (61 yards). His two passing first downs were a career-low in the first half of a game.
Linebacker Robert Spillane led the defense with 10 total tackles (seven solo) and added one tackle for loss in the game.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby added five total tackles (two solo), 1.0 sack, one tackle for loss, four and three quarterback hits. Crosby is now tied with Bill Pickel (53.0) for the fourth most sacks in Raiders history. Crosby also logged his eighth consecutive game with at least one tackle for loss, extending the longest active streak in the NFL.
Minshew's First Start
Gardner Minshew II completed 25-of-33 (75.8%) passes for 257 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a 95.1 passer rating. His 25 completions are second most in a Raiders debut and his 257 yards are fourth most in a Raiders debut.
Minshew is one of eight quarterbacks to pass for 250+ yards in Week 1 (not including Monday Night Football's results).
Bowers Impresses in NFL Debut
Tight end Brock Bowers played 41 of the team's 60 total offensive snaps and finished with 58 receiving yards on a game-high six receptions.
His six receptions are the most by a Raiders tight end in their NFL debut and tied for the second most in NFL history by a tight end in their NFL debut, behind Keith McKeller (nine receptions on Oct. 18, 1987).
Bowers' 58 receiving yards are also second most in Raiders history by a tight end in their NFL debut, behind Raymond Chester (89 yards in Week 1 of 1970).
Here's how Bowers' Week 1 numbers stack up at his position across the league (before Monday Night Football):
- Third-most targets (eight), second-most receptions (six) and second-most receiving yards (58) among NFL tight ends.
- One of three tight ends to account for 3+ receiving first downs.
- One of five tight ends to record a catch of 25+ yards.
Mattison Brings Versatility to Backfield
Running back Alexander Mattison scored the team's lone touchdown on Sunday in his Raiders debut. Mattison rushed five times for 19 yards (3.8 avg.) and caught four passes for 43 yards and one touchdown.
Mattison's 43 receiving yards are his fifth most in a game while his 31-yard catch-and-run score in the first quarter was the longest touchdown in his six-year career.
Mattison became the second running back to have a 30+ yard TD catch in his Raiders debut, joining Jack Larscheid in the Raiders' first-ever game as a franchise (46 yards on September 11, 1960).
After the conclusion of Sunday's games, Mattison is one of 12 NFL running backs that recorded 4+ receptions in Week 1 and one of seven running backs that finished with 40+ receiving yards.
Minimizing Mistakes
Coaches constantly preach the importance of playing clean football and Head Coach Antonio Pierce is no different.
"You can't have three turnovers on the road and expect to win," Pierce said postgame.
It's not "coach speak." Pierce is right.
Since 2000, the Raiders are 8-85 (.086) in regular season road games when they lose the turnover battle and 0-14 when they finish with a turnover margin of -3. When they win the turnover battle or finish with an even margin in regular season road games, their winning percentage jumps up to .584 at 59-42.
One positive from Sunday's game was the lack of penalties. The Raiders finished last season with 75 penalties committed, the fewest in the NFL, and had a clean start to the 2024 season versus the Chargers. The Silver and Black's two penalties committed are tied for the fewest of any team after the completion of Sunday's games.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole's (6) jersey in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller's (74) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's (98) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II's (15) jersey in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers' (89) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane's (41) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) on the bench before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
A football on the field before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett on the bench before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Fans before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Charles Woodson before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers huddle before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders walk down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce runs down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) on the bench before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the coin toss before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks off during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pumps up the crowd during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a first down during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates with teammates after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates with quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) celebrates on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pumps up the crowd during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) celebrate on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) passes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) blocks during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 32-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
