Tag: Maxx Crosby

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Raiders in season opener

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 22-10 win over the Raiders.

The Chargers kicked off the Jim Harbaugh era in the win column, defeating the Raiders by the score of 22-10.

Here’s our recap of the Bolts’ victory in the season opener.

It was over when…

Ladd McConkey found the end zone to put the Chargers up two scores with less than four minutes remaining in the game.

Highlight of the game

The Chargers’ first touchdown of the season

https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1832905940326322325?s=46

Notable number

Jim Harbaugh improved to 5-0 as a head coach in season openers.

3 stars of the game

  1. RB J.K. Dobbins: After battling injuries throughout his NFL career, Dobbins dispelled those concerns with a monstrous performance in his first game as a Charger. He finished the game with 135 yards and a touchdown on ten carries, with long runs of 46 and 61 yards.
  2. EDGE Joey Bosa: Bosa’s past two seasons were shortened by injuries. But as we know, he is a force to be reckoned with when he’s on the field. And that he was, as Bosa made a few high-effort plays, including a forced fumble and a sack.
  3. EDGE Khalil Mack: Mack had a career year in 2023, and the veteran picked up where he left off. He amassed two sacks, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection that led to an interception by Poona Ford that sealed the game.

Quick hits

  • The offense experienced growing pains in the first half of the game. They failed to surpass 100 yards of total offense, averaging just 3.6 yards per play. Five penalties were committed. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards combined for 12 rushing yards on eight carries. The offensive line wasn’t gelling. Wide receivers weren’t getting open.
  • In the second half, things changed as the unit started to find a rhythm. The offensive line improved in pass protection and run blocking, eventually leading to their success on the ground. The Chargers finished with 158 rushing yards in the final two quarters.
  • The lack of talent in the wide receiver room was evident as players struggled to separate. McConkey led the group with five catches for 39 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Quentin Johnston showed some juice after the catch but had a dropped pass. Joshua Palmer only had two receptions for 15 yards. Palmer was eventually ejected after getting into a scuffle with Marcus Epps.
  • The offense only converted on third down four times on 15 attempts.
  • Justin Herbert finished the game 17-of-26 passing for 144 yards and a touchdown. Herbert was sacked just once.
  • Jesse Minter’s defense was tremendous. His group forced three turnovers and had four sacks. They also limited the Raiders to 3.2 yards per carry. The interior defensive line owned the line of scrimmage, the pass rush consistently got to Gardner Minshew, and defenders rallied to the football and made plays in the open field.
  • Cameron Dicker made all three field-goal attempts, with a long of 53 yards.
  • JK Scott did not have his best day. On seven punts, Scott only got one inside the Raiders’ 20-yard line and two went for touchbacks.

What’s next?

The Chargers are on the road to take on the Panthers (0-1) next Sunday, Sept. 15, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Week 1 with Raiders Wire

Answers to a few burning questions about the Raiders ahead of their matchup with the Chargers.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are about to duke it out in a divisional showdown on Sunday afternoon.

Before the matchup, Raiders Wire managing editor Levi Damien spoke with us about Los Angeles’ opponent.

What did Tom Telesco do to improve the roster this offseason?

Biggest move was to sign Chrisitan Wilkins. Upgrading the interior defensive line was a top priority. Gardner Minshew isn’t going to blow the doors off anything, but he is an upgrade over Aidan O’Connell, albeit a slight one. Not the franchise QB they needed, but it’s something.

What can we expect from Gardner Minshew, the journeyman?

He will matriculate the ball down the field and should do well utilizing the two tight end sets the Raiders plan to deploy a good portion of the time. He will also create some plays with his legs. That’s something you just don’t get from Aidan O’Connell. Mostly Minshew is the type of quarterback who may not win a lot of games for you, but he also won’t lose them for you. And with the defense being the strength of this team, that could be all the Raiders want from him.

What area/position of the Raiders could determine the outcome of this game?

If the Raiders win, it would be on the strength of their pass rush. Both getting to Justin Herbert for sacks and helping set up their opportunistic secondary to get turnovers out of it. And that task just became considerably more difficult with the loss of Malcolm Koonce to a knee injury. The Raiders will be asking backups Tyree Wilson and Janarius Robinson to step up and fill the void at EDGE opposite Maxx Crosby. If they lose, it will most likely be because they can’t sustain and finish enough drives on offense.

Who is an under-the-radar Raider that Chargers fans should know about?

Tre Tucker has really come up as a receiver. He had Lasik eye surgery in the offseason and it has made a new player out of him. The difference is striking. From a player who didn’t track passes well, and didn’t look like a natural hands catcher, to making several incredible catches in preseason I had never seen him make as a rookie last season. For some perspective, he was drafted for his 4.2 speed. Now he’s got hands to go with it. Watch out for him.

What’s your prediction for the game?

I have the Chargers winning this one. The honeymoon period is in full swing with Harbaugh and his team, especially his young QB. Herbert is elite and Harbaugh won’t squander it. They will play like believers while Harbaugh will break out some things the Raiders won’t see coming.

3 Key matchups for Raiders in season opener vs Chargers

Keep an eye on these matchups as they could be the key to who wins this game.

With most season openers, there’s a lot of mystery. Each season brings new breakout players and new challenges. While some players just remain a force to be reckoned with.

Both teams have players who fall into the category of dominance. And in some cases, those players will be going up against players who still have something to prove. Those matchups could be the deciding factor in Sunday’s season opener in Los Angeles between the Raiders and Chargers.

DE Maxx Crosby vs T Joe Alt

Alt is the Chargers’ top rookie this year. They selected him with the fifth overall pick in April’s draft. And right away he will have one of the toughest assignments in the NFL — containing Maxx Crosby.

The Raiders will need Crosby to win that battle, especially with Malcolm Koonce out with a knee injury. This defense lives and dies by its ability to get to the quarterback, so this matchup is a big one.

DT John Jenkins vs RB Gus Edwards/JK Dobbins

The Chargers figure to run the ball a lot under Greg Roman. They haven’t named a single starter at running back, so either it’s a mystery or a true dual role. In either case, the man who will played the most outsized role in trying to contain the run will be Jenkins.

Jenkins is the team’s nose tackle. Stopping the run is his primary job. Whether he makes the actual tackle on a given play is not the most important detail. His job will be to be in his gap and not get overpowered to either make the stop or force whoever is running the ball to re-direct somewhere else.

T Thayer Munford vs DE Khalil Mack

Munford will face the former Raiders All Pro edge rusher the majority of the time in his debut as Raiders starter. Mack absolutely demolished the Raiders in their first matchup last season. He lit up former RT Jermaine Eluemunor and got Kolton Miller a couple times as well to put up SIX (6) sacks against them.

Mack has had some of his best games against the team that drafted him and then opted to trade him rather than give him a new contract. He will be rearing to go for this one and facing a new starter in Munford who has a lot to prove to keep his job.

Other matchups to watch:

TE Brock Bowers vs S Derwin James

WR Davante Adams vs Asante Samuel Jr

Watch: Raiders rookie RB Dylan Laube shows off killer twerking dance moves at practice

Dylan Laube put on another show at Raiders practice. This time with some serious twerking.

It is becoming more and more clear that Dylan Laube fits right in with this Raiders team. While we talk about the personalities of the likes of Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs, and Gardner Minshew, it’s time we put Laube in that conversation as well.

The most recent example was during Friday’s practice when Laube put on some righteous dance moves for his Raiders teammates as captured here by Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.

As Gutierrez notes, Laube earned the nickname “Cheddar Bob” this offseason for his antics which included a bang on and hilarious impression of teammate Maxx Crosby during the team’s beach day at the close of training camp in Costa Mesa.

His personality aside, the Raiders are hoping Laube’s moves on the field can help them both in the run game and the return game. From the time he was drafted, he was seen as a candidate to return kicks in the new kickoff rules as well as be a receiving back out of the backfield.

5 Raiders players to watch vs. Chargers

There are a few Raiders players that the Chargers will need to keep an eye on if they want to start 1-0.

The Chargers and Raiders will start their respective seasons with a divisional tilt in Los Angeles. 

There are a few Raiders players that the Chargers will need to keep an eye on if they want to start 1-0.

Gardner Minshew

Minshew was recently named the Raiders’ Week 1 starter over Aiden O’Connell. The sixth-year veteran has 37 career starts under his belt, and his level of play will be the main difference-maker in this opener. He has the weapons to succeed, and this contest against the Chargers defense will be his first test of the season.

Brock Bowers

Bowers was the consensus top tight end in this year’s draft, and rightfully so. In three collegiate seasons, the No. 13 overall pick had 2,538 receiving yards and 31 total touchdowns.  He’s been nursing a foot injury, which has forced him to be limited in practice throughout the week. Assuming he’s active in Week 1, the Chargers must account for him at all times, particularly in the red zone.

Zamir White

With Josh Jacobs gone, the Raiders’ No. 1 running back job now belongs to White. In his start against the Chargers last season, he tallied 69 rushing yards and a touchdown. Los Angeles’ defense allowed the second-most receiving yards to tailbacks in 2023, which will be something to watch in this Week 1 matchup.

Christian Wilkins

The former Dolphins star landed in Las Vegas back in March. His presence in the middle should only make things easier for edge rusher Maxx Crosby, which should cause concerns for the Chargers in Week 1. In 2022, Wilkins wreaked havoc against the Bolts with six tackles and a sack.

Jack Jones

Jones is the Raiders’ top cornerback and had an interception in the late-season blowout in 2023. Without a true No. 1 wideout for Los Angeles, Jones could be in for a big day.

3 key matchups to watch as Chargers face Raiders in Week 1

Breaking down key matchups to watch for in the Chargers’ opener against the Raiders.

The Chargers’ 2024 regular season kicks off with a home matchup against the Raiders this Sunday at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Here are three matchups to keep an eye on in Week 1:

Chargers OT Joe Alt vs. Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby

Alt, the No. 5 overall pick, gets his first “Welcome to the NFL” moment facing one of the league’s premiere edge rushers. Crosby racked up a career-high 14.5 sacks in the 2023 season. Meanwhile, Alt only allowed four sacks during his college career (38 games).

Alt had weeks of reps against Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack during training camp, which should have helped him prepare for his test against Crosby this weekend.

“There can’t be a bigger test right out of the gate,” Jim Harbaugh said on Alt facing Crosby. “Joe’s prepared for it. I can’t wait to watch him compete, starting out against a premiere edge player in this game — in the history of the game, really.”

Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. vs. Raiders WR Davante Adams

In last year’s meeting, Samuel fared well against Adams, allowing five catches on eight targets for just 35 yards. Against the Raiders in 2023, Samuel had three passes defended and an interception.

Samuel must maintain that high level of play against Adams, who has historically been a terror to the Chargers. In five games against Los Angeles, Adams has totaled 41 catches for 535 yards and four touchdowns.

Chargers RBs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins vs. Raiders front seven

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman are going to run the football, and they will rely on their offseason additions, Edwards and Dobbins, for their success. Edwards is coming off an 11-touchdown campaign, and Dobbins is just looking to stay healthy. When he’s on the field, Dobbins is a threat to opposing defenses. Additionally, the Chargers offensive line looks the best it has in years.

The Raiders are equipped to slow down Los Angeles’ ground game, and it starts up front. Along with being a prolific pass rusher, Crosby is a great run defender. Las Vegas bolstered the defensive line with the free agency signing of Christian Wilkins, who should aid in that department. Furthermore, Robert Spillane was one of the best run-defending linebackers last season.

Other matchups to watch

Chargers EDGEs Joey Bosa & Khalil Mack vs. Raiders OTs Kolton Miller & Thayer Munford

Chargers interior offensive line vs. Raiders DT Christian Wilkins

Chargers WRs Joshua Palmer & Ladd McConkey vs. Raiders CBs Jack Jones & Nate Hobbs

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 1 opponent: Raiders

Here are some important things to know about the Raiders ahead of the Week 1 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers will open up the 2024 regular season at SoFi Stadium against the Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1:05 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 1 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

Got the promotion

After the 2023 season, the Raiders removed the interim tag from Antonio Pierce’s title and promoted him to full-time head coach. Pierce served as Las Vegas’ linebackers coach before taking on the interim role after former head coach Josh McDaniels was fired. He led them to a 5-4 record.

The man under center

The Raiders had a quarterback battle during the summer between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell, and Minshew prevailed. This offseason, Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million contract, marking the fourth team he’s played on. Over five seasons with the Jaguars, Eagles and Colts, Minshew has started 37 games, posting a 15-22 record. He has faced the Chargers twice in his career and is 0-2 against them.

Big fish landed

Former Chargers general manager and current Raiders GM Tom Telesco’s biggest offseason move was acquiring Christian Wilkins. Wilkins, the top defensive tackle on the market, signed to a four-year, $110 million contract. Wilkins is coming off a season in which he amassed career highs in sacks (nine), quarterback pressures (61), and quarterback hits (23). Along with being a prolific interior pass rusher, he’s just as impactful against the run.

Other offseason additions

Telesco’s other moves in the offseason came mainly on the offensive side of the ball, with running back Alexander Mattison, guard Cody Whitehair and rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Center Andre James re-signed to a two-year deal. They will all be key pieces for Luke Getsy, who will enter his first season as Raiders offensive coordinator. Getsy previously served in the same role for the Bears.

Look out for…

Edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Crosby has asserted himself as one of the top defensive players in the league. He finished last season with a career-high 14.5 sacks. Rookie offensive tackle Joe Alt should get a heavy dose of Crosby this game, so it will be interesting to see how he fares.

Raiders have among NFL’s fewest $10 million per season contracts

Raiders have among NFL’s fewest $10 million per season contracts

If you have been thinking that perhaps the Raiders don’t have a lot of super stars on their roster, you’d be right about that.

The team has been relatively frugal of late. Nothing wrong with that. The best teams are often careful about not throwing big money at a handful of players at the expense of the ability to build the rest of the team.

One team that has not been real careful about that is the Cleveland Browns, who, today became the NFL’s leader in players with contracts that average $10 million per season.

Their 13 $10M+ contracts is more than TWICE that of the Raiders (6).

In fact, only eight teams in the NFL have fewer $10M+ APY contracts than the Raiders.

Not bad to be in the same range as the Chiefs. Although they have Patrick Mahomes and that means they have to sink as much in other star players as much as some teams do.

The Raiders have no such super star quarterback to make sense of their low big money contract numbers.

The six players the Raiders pay at least $10 million per year on average are:

Davante Adams – $28M
Christian Wilkins – $27.5M
Maxx Crosby – $23.5M
Kolton Miller – $18M
Gardner Minshew – $12.5M
Jakobi Meyers – $11M

Currently the Raiders have some $34.5 million in cap space, which is fifth most in the NFL.

Raiders rookie RB Dylan Laube has already earned hilarious nickname from teammates

Dylan Laube has earned a pretty hilarious nickname from his Raiders teammates

Raiders rookie running back Dylan Laube has become a pretty popular player on the Raiders already. The coaches seem to think very highly of him and his potential to contribute right away. And his teammates are seeing his personality is fitting in as well.

Last week, prior to leaving Southern California where they held the first two weeks of training camp, the team took a trip to the beach. Laube put on a pretty entertaining performance as part of the rookie show, but before that he put on an even better performance by doing a spot on impression of teammate Maxx Crosby.

Crosby got a kick out of it, as did the rest of the Raiders team assembled there. Laube has even earned a pretty awesome nickname.

“I love Cheddar Bob. That’s my guy,” Crosby said, speaking of Laube. “That’s what we call him. That’s Cheddar Bob. From 8-mile, that’s him. He’s a stud. He’s been doing a great job and anytime he picks one at me, he gets a little pass for now.”

For those unfamiliar, this is Cheddar Bob from 8-mile. His part of the scene starts about a minute in (Warning: strong language).

Having spoken with Laube, this nickname is pretty good. And you can see why they call him that. Though, it’s probably not altogether one of those nicknames you want to follow you around forever.

WATCH: Raiders rookie Dylan Laube does hilariously perfect Maxx Crosby impression

WATCH: Raiders rookie Dylan Laube does hilariously perfect Maxx Crosby impression

The Raiders ended their training camp in Costa Mesa with a trip to the beach for a walk-thru…and some extracurricular stuff as well. Part of the antics were provided by rookie running back Dylan Laube who showed his comedy chops with a spot on and hilarious Maxx Crosby impression.

Laube is clearly a real character, which means he is fitting right in with this Raiders team of characters. Crosby being one of those characters who was in hysterics watching the rookie imitate his on field energy and pass rush technique.

Safe to say the team bonding was accomplished with this beach excursion. You love to see it.