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Halftime Report: Raiders defense dominates first half of season opener

Defense Starts Season Strong

It took just one series for the Raiders defensive line to make an impact. On third-and-four on the opening possession of the game, the pocket collapsed and Maxx Crosby got to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert for his first sack of the season.

On the next drive on defense, it was second-year cornerback Jakorian Bennett, who knocked the ball out of Quentin Johnston's hands to force another punt.

After a failed first-down conversion by the offense, the defense took over on a short field and allowed just five yards on four plays to force a field goal. Later in the half, they responded again to a quick possession change after a fumble by the offense gave the Chargers the ball at the Raiders 12-yard line.

With a halftime score of 7-6, the Raiders held the Chargers to just 83 total yards in the first half. That's the Raiders' fewest yards allowed in the first half of a game since 2019 Week 15 vs. the Jaguars (75) and fewest in a road game since 2011 Week 10 at the Chargers (65).

Mattison Makes An Impact

The Raiders offense failed to convert on a third-and-one rush on their first drive of the game and a fourth-and-one rush on their second possession.

However, on the third drive, Gardner Minshew II and the offense found a rhythm. Minshew got things started with two third-down completions to Davante Adams, which advanced the ball to the Chargers 31-yard line.

On the very next play, Minshew completed a pass to Alexander Mattison and the running back did the rest.

Mattison evaded a diving tackle attempt from one Chargers defender, hurdled over another and beat the rest of the defense down the sideline for the Raiders' first touchdown of the season.

Spreading The Love

While the rushing attack struggled to get going with just 24 yards on 11 carries (2.2 avg.), the offense found the most success when Minshew had time to throw downfield. He completed 11-of-15 passes in the first half for 127 yards and one touchdown.

Minshew completed passes to seven different players.

Rookie tight end Brock Bowers led all players with 32 receiving yards in the first game of his professional career.

View photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.

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