LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – The Chargers walked out of SoFi Stadium looking like the team they’ve been trying to be all season, taking control early and never letting the Raiders’ momentum build in a 31–14 win. Justin Herbert opened the day by finding Quentin Johnston for the first score, a wild play where Johnston absorbed a big hit, bounced off two defenders, and still powered into the end zone. Herbert wasn’t perfect, tossing an interception while looking for Ladd McConkey in the second quarter, but the defense bailed him out when Tony Jefferson snagged a tipped Geno Smith pass just a few plays later.
After the Raiders tied the game up on a Brock Bowers touchdown, Kimani Vidal took a carry 59 yards to the house after evading a tackle and out-sprinting the rest of Las Vegas’ defense. Herbert added on later with a beautiful extended play, escaping the pocket and hitting McConkey at the pylon for his fourth touchdown of the season.
Los Angeles held strong late, allowing one more highlight grab from Bowers on a low, impressive catch in the end zone, but that was all the Raiders would get. The Chargers controlled the rest of the way and secured a comfortable AFC West victory.
During the game, Herbert suffered a broken bone in his non-throwing left hand. He’s expected to have surgery Monday but does not anticipate missing any time. With the win, the Chargers stay in the top wild-card position and now turn their attention to a Monday Night Football showdown with the Eagles next week.
