The Las Vegas Raiders dropped a 31-14 loss to division rival Los Angeles Chargers for a 10th straight loss against all their AFC West opponents.
Many expected for things to look different offensively with Greg Olson taking over as lead playcaller. Yet it still wasn't enough on just a week's worth of practice. Jordan Meredith was ruled inactive before the game, leading the team to shift Alex Cappa over to center and Caleb Rogers split snaps at right guard with Atonio Mafi, who was elevated from the practice squad.
Geno Smith was sacked five times, Ashton Jeanty was limited to 2.1 yards per carry and the Raiders went 2-of-8 (25 percent) on third downs. In contrast, the Chargers outgained the Raiders 192-31 on the ground with a 70.6 percent conversion rate on third down situations.
"Third down was atrocious for us today on both sides of the football," Pete Carroll said postgame. "We couldn't convert and we couldn't stop them to get out of there. Some of those third and shorts, that's been a little bit of a theme throughout the year."
After the Raiders' first drive ended in a three-and-out, the Chargers went on a nearly nine minute drive to score the first touchdown of the game. Justin Herbert was 5-of-5 for 39 yards, ending the possession with a 10-yard pass to Quentin Johnston in the end zone.
During the drive, Herbert suffered a hand injury to his non-throwing hand, which played a factor in the remainder of this game.
After Trey Lance went in for a handful of plays, Herbert returned with a glove on his left hand. While Herbert tried to get things going again, the Raiders defense then came up big with two stops in the red zone.
Kyu Blu Kelly jumped a route on Ladd McConkey at the Chargers' own two-yard line. It was Kelly's team-leading third interception this season.
The defense came away with another big stand after a pass from Geno Smith bobbled out of the hands of Dont'e Thornton Jr. – with Tony Jefferson scooping an almost unbelievable interception. As the Chargers tried to convert on a fourth-and-one at the 18-yard line, Devin White and Adam Butler blew up the line of scrimmage to tackle Kimani Vidal for no gain.
After starting the game without an incompletion, Herbert went 4-of-7 for 57 yards, an interception and was sacked by Maxx Crosby to end the first half.
Crosby finished the game with two sacks and four tackles for loss, racking up a staggering 10 TFLs in his last three games. This was also his third game in his career with multiple sacks on Herbert.
The Raiders offense rode the wave of formidable defensive play. Smith drove the ball down the field 82 yards, connecting with Brock Bowers and rookie Jack Bech for a combined 46 receiving yards. Jeanty was also featured on the ground, averaging five yards a carry on the drive.
Smith ultimately found Bowers for a six-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven going into halftime. It was the All-Pro tight end's fourth receiving touchdown on the season.
"Brock Bowers is a tremendous player," Smith said postgame. "We see it week in and week out. He makes plays all over the field. He does things not many guys are able to do and we've got to continue to find ways to get him in space and get him the ball."
However, there was one thing the Raiders defense didn't do considerably well in the first half – tackle. It caught up to them in the third quarter as missed tackles contributed to another two scores for the Chargers.
Vidal broke off for a 59-yard touchdown rush to regain the lead shortly into the third quarter. Los Angeles continued to rely on the ground game, churning out another 37 rushing yards two drives later that resulted in a seven-yard touchdown grab for McConkey. Following a 56-yard field goal made by Cameron Dicker, the Chargers took a 24-7 lead at the top of the fourth quarter.
Per Next Gen Stats, the Raiders defense missed 18 tackles in total against the Chargers, with Vidal and Jaret Patterson accumulating +51 RYOE (rushing yards over expected).
Nevertheless, the offense kept fighting. Smith went 9-of-10 on a seven-minute drive to get the Raiders back in the end zone for a second time. Bowers snagged a ridiculous one-handed catch for his second score of the game.
"Ball was thrown at me, I just came down and caught it," he said on Raiders Gameday. "It wasn't too crazy of a play, just making the catch."
In his second game this season with multiple touchdown receptions, Bowers finished with a game-high 63 yards on four catches.
A possession later, the Chargers put the nail in the coffin with a touchdown run at the goal line by Patterson.
Now falling to 2-10, Carroll gave a honest evaluation of his offense with Olson taking over as lead playcalling for a team that came into the game ranked 31st in scoring offense.
"Offensively, to have an expectation that we're gonna flip-flop and all of the sudden be ripping, would've like to have seen that but that didn't happen," Carroll said. "We're a ways away."
There were a few noticeable improvements when calculating in Bowers' dynamic performance and Smith finishing with a 107.4 passer rating and 78.3 percent completion percentage.
"Everybody communicated really well," Carroll said. "We had no problem functioning and all that. In a couple days time, that's a nice accomplishment by those guys but we'll get a lot better."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 13 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51), defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with teammates after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71), guard Caleb Rogers (76) and guard Alex Cappa (65) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 6-yard touchdown 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 6-yard touchdown 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 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with tackle DJ Glaze (71) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with tight end Ian Thomas (80) after making a 6-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
