INGLEWOOD, Calif. — It wasn’t pretty in the first half but Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers are 1-0.
The Chargers overcame a slow start and scored 16 second half points to upend the Las Vegas Raiders, 22-10, in Week 1.
Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense struggled to move the ball through the air. But Los Angeles was sparked by three defensive takeaways and timely second-half runs by running back J.K. Dobbins on the way to victory.
The Chargers gained 316 total yards, including 176 yards on the ground.
Harbaugh is 5-0 in season openers in his NFL coaching career dating back to his time with the San Francisco 49ers. He recited the late legendary coach John Wooden following his first win as a Chargers head coach.
PLAY TO WIN $5K: USA TODAY’s Pro Football Survivor Pool is free to enter. Sign up now!
‘When we had to be our best, we were our best. Being at your best when your best is needed most,’ Harbaugh said. ‘To quote coach (John) Wooden there. I thought that really put the flavor on this game. That’s what it felt like to me.’
Here are takeaways from the Week 1 Chargers-Raiders tilt:
Chargers defense stands tall
The Chargers had three takeaways in the victory.
Khalil Mack registered a fumble recovery when Raiders QB Gardner Minshew lost control of the football in the second quarter, pass rusher Joey Bosa forced fumble that was recovered by corner Ja’Sir Taylor in the third quarter and DT Poona Ford hauled in a game-sealing interception in the final quarter.
Los Angeles held the Raiders to 123 total yards and seven points in the first half, and kept Las Vegas out of the end zone in the second half. Las Vegas compiled 296 total yards in the loss.
The Raiders were 5-14 on third downs and 0-1 on fourth down.
‘It was a great performance, an inspiring performance,’ Harbaugh said. ‘I thought it was really great defense by our guys. Super happy about it. The whole team was inspired by the defensive play.’
Bosa tied a team-high with seven tackles, one sack and a forced fumble. Mack, who played his first four seasons with the Raiders, had three tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery against his former club.
‘It’s always good to get a win in general. It just so happened to be against the Raiders (Sunday),’ Mack said to USA TODAY Sports. ‘It was solid. A lot of things we did well.’
J.K. Dobbins looks healthy
An injury-free Dobbins played revitalized in his Chargers debut. The Ohio State product scored the Chargers’ first touchdown of the season on a 12-yard run, breaking a couple tackles on the way to the end zone. Dobbins had a 46-yard run and scampered for 61 yards all in the second half. He produced 10 carries and 135 rushing yards in the win.
The 135 rushing yards Dobbins gained is the second-highest single game rushing output of his career. Los Angeles amassed 176 rushing yards on 27 attempts.
‘We believe in those running backs that we’re giving the ball to. It changes the game, being able to win the ball like that and switching it up with pass game,’ Herbert said. ‘I think seeing those those big runs there is just a testament to those guys upfront. They blocked really hard. J.K. (Dobbins) made some good moves and it was big for our offense.’
Injuries have plagued Dobbins career. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason of 2021. In 2022, another knee injury limited the running back to eight games and last season he ruptured his Achilles in Week 1.
Chargers offense listless in first half
The Chargers offense struggled mightily in the first half. Five first-half penalties disrupted the team’s rhythm. The Chargers had just two first downs and went into the halftime locker room 0-for-7 on third downs. They managed to produce a meager 83 total yards.
Los Angeles’ offense line had a difficult time picking up Raiders’ stunts and twists. Herbert was under duress for most of the first half.
However, Harbaugh’s Chargers made enough adjustments in the second half to produce 233 total yards and three scoring drives.
‘It definitely didn’t go our way in the first half,’ Herbert said. ‘But to go out there in the second half and put together a drive and for the defense to get some turnovers like that. It was great team ball.’
Herbert went 17-of-26 passing for 144 yards and had one touchdown in the game.
Two players ejected late in fourth quarter
Harbaugh’s Chargers debut didn’t end without any drama.
Chargers WR Joshua Palmer and Raiders CB Jack Jones were ejected with under four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter after an on-field skirmish.
