Instant analysis of Chargers’ overtime victory over Raiders

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez recaps Los Angeles’ overtime victory on Thursday night.

It went to overtime to determine the outcome.

The Chargers, for the second week in a row, won on the final drive, led by quarterback Justin Herbert.

Here is my instant analysis from Los Angeles’ Week 15 victory over Las Vegas:

Injury Report

Edge defender Uchenna Nwosu left the game in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Nwosu did not return. Joey Bosa left the game to be evaluated for a concussion. He didn’t return.

Play of the Game: Herbert’s game-winning touchdown run

The team’s best players are going to make plays. That’s exactly what the rookie did with the game on the line.

Notable Number

10: With the win over the Raiders, the Chargers snapped their divisional losing streak, which was up to 10 games, dating back to December of 2018.

Quick Takes

Quarterback Justin Herbert did exactly what he should have, taking advantage of a depleted defense. The rookie balled out, completing 22 of his 32 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns as well as the game-winning touchdown run.

With wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams out for the majority of the contest with their perspective injuries, tight end Hunter Henry and WRs Tyron Johnson, Jalen Guyton and K.J. Hill stepped up in a big way.

Los Angeles resorted to the ground game quite a bit, but the outcome was fairly underwhelming. The group only compiled 96 yards on 29 carries. Despite not being effective, the coaching staff continued to go to it, taking the ball away from Herbert.

L.A. had no answer to Las Vegas’ rushing attack. While they were a little bit better against running back Joshua Jacobs, who had 76 yards on 26 carries (2.9 yards per carry), the lack of quarterback spy was evident as quarterback Marcus Mariota scampered for 88 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

The pass defense was victim explosive plays, including a handful to tight end Darren Waller, who amassed 150 yards and a touchdown on nine catches. The lack of talent at the safety position was evident and the corners weren’t that inspiring, overall.

Cornerback Chris Harris Jr. recorded his first touchdown as a Charger.

The Chargers couldn’t come up with plays in crucial moments, as the Raiders were 4-of-4 on fourth down.

Despite being banged up, edge defender Joey Bosa came up big with a pair of run stops on third-down to go along with his weekly quarterback pressures.

The special teams woes continued, particularly in the kicking department. Michael Badgley had two opportunities to put the game to bed, but he wasn’t able to execute, days after hitting the game winner.

The victory doesn’t particularly mean that coach Anthony Lynn is safe. For the second week in a row, Herbert overcame the incompetent play-calling, leading the team to game-winning drives. Herbert won the game. Lynn didn’t.

Up Next

The Chargers return home to take on the Broncos on Dec. 27 at 1:05 p.m. PT.