The Las Vegas Raiders fell to their divisional foe, the Los Angeles Chargers, 20-9, in what was an overall rough showing from the offense.
For starters, the offense's first play of the game was a turnover, which would be an omen for the rest of the outing.
Geno Smith tried to squeeze it in to Tre Tucker as his intended receiver, but safety Alohi Gilman deflected the ball up in the air for linebacker Daiyan Henley to come away with the interception. Fortunately, the Raiders defense remained composed despite being backed up in their own territory. They forced a three-and-out with the Chargers settling for a 38-yard field goal.
After the unfortunate first play, the Raiders got in a rhythm driving the ball down the field. A boisterous 13-yard run from Ashton Jeanty and a 20-yard catch and run by Dont'e Thornton Jr. put Daniel Carlson in position to make a 54-yard field goal to tie the game at 3.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had difficulty finding open receivers down the field early thanks to a stingy Raiders secondary, therefore decided to use his legs to make plays. He averaged 8.7 yards a carry in the first quarter with a 10-yard throw on the run to Keenan Allen to score the Bolts' first touchdown of the game.
Later in the second quarter, the Silver and Black responded with a promising drive headlined by a few more impressive runs from Jeanty. It was stalled by a bad snap on third down which led to Geno Smith getting sacked by Jamaree Caldwell. This resulted in Carlson making a 40-yarder to bring the score within four.
Before halftime, the deep ball hindered the Silver and Black on both offense and defense. Right after the two-minute warning, Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston from 60 yards for a touchdown.
In response, Smith flushed right out of the pocket looking deep in the end zone to Thornton. The ball was underthrown in double coverage and Tony Jefferson came away with the interception. It was Smith's second missed deep throw to the rookie receiver.
"He took a couple shots. He threw a couple bombs down there," Pete Carroll said postgame. "One of them was on about the 2, and the other one in the end zone. … The reason that he got there, we had time to hold the football. We protected OK and we didn't get the ball thrown underneath. That's what I wish we would've done. Wish we would've not taken those shots."
The Chargers went into halftime with a 17-6 lead and got the ball to start the second half.
Three points were scored the entirety of the third quarter, with Los Angeles going on 12-play, 72-yard drive that was stalled at the goal line. Three run stuffs to prevent the Chargers' touchdown and hold them to a field goal made it 20-6 heading into the fourth quarter.
Las Vegas ripped off a long drive of their own, taking over 11 minutes off the clock. While able to convert on five third downs during the possession, it still ended in a 37-yard field goal made by Carlson.
The defense would create a turnover on downs with a stop by Kyu Blu Kelly on fourth-and-one, however it wasn't enough to swing momentum. In the red zone on third down, Smith forced a throw to Jakobi Meyers in the end zone with Derwin James Jr. draped on him in coverage. A deflected pass from the safety resulted in Donte Jackson coming down with Smith's third interception of the day.
Even a fumble recovery in crunch time from Adam Butler couldn't help the Raiders as they fell in their home opener.
All in all, quarterback play was one of the decisive factors in this primetime outing. Herbert completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 242 yards and a 122.8 passer rating. Smith went 24-of-43 for 180 yards and three interceptions.
"You can never just say you can flush it, you've got to learn from it," Smith said postgame. "I'm gonna be super hard on myself, extremely hard on myself because that's all I know. I'm gonna get better this week, find ways to get better from this film and we'll be better as a team as well."
"I'm never going to make any excuses about anything," he added, taking ownership of his outing. "I've got to be better, we've got to be better and we've got a short week to improve on it."
And even with Jeanty's handful of highlight reel runs, the rushing attack still struggled as he averaged 3.9 yards a carry on 11 rushing attempts.
"Last week it was on me, I didn't go a good job of reading the plays. I'll put it on myself again this week," Jeanty said. "Could've broke for bigger on some runs and O-line did their thing. I've just got to continue to get better so I can be a gamechanger for us."
"Just getting used to the speed honestly," he added of his performance. "Last week kind of felt like I was moving a little slower, this week felt better. Still not there yet, but once it happens it will be good."
A short week ensues for the Silver and Black, as next Sunday they'll travel across the country to the nation's capital for a matchup with the Washington Commanders.
"We know we missed the opportunity and there's so many different ways that we'll get better," Carroll said. "So we've got to go back to work really quickly."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) and linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Chris Smith II (29) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 54-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) and defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18), wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) and safety Chris Smith II (29) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a 40-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
A view of Allegiant Stadium during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Brennan Jackson (54) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Leki Fotu (95) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Justin Shorter (88) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) and quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Alex Cappa (65) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
