The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated 63-21 on Thursday night by the Las Vegas Raiders, who were led by Aidan O’Connell’s four touchdown passes, John Jenkins’ fumble recovery, and Jack Jones’ pick-six. The Chargers did not cross the 50-yard line until Joshua Palmer’s touchdown in the third quarter.
After losing 3-0 to the Minnesota Vikings four days earlier, the Raiders surpassed their previous high of 59-14 against the Denver Broncos on October 24, 2010, by setting a team scoring record.
The hosts led Tennessee 45-0 at the half, which was the Chargers’ biggest-ever deficit after two quarters. The hosts were only three points shy of the NFL record for halftime margin, which was set in 2009 when New England lead Tennessee 45-0.Aidan O’Connell threw all four of his touchdown passes in the first half as he finished with 248 yards passing, while Davante Adams caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown, his first 100-yard game since Week Three against Pittsburgh.
Las Vegas’ defense scored second-half touchdowns on a John Jenkins fumble recovery and Jack Jones interception, the first time the Raiders logged two defensive scores since 2006.
The Chargers had been without starting quarterback Justin Herbert after he was ruled out for the rest of the season having undergone surgery to repair a broken finger. Star wide receiver Keenan Allen, who has 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns on the year, was also absent due to a heel issue.
Los Angeles quarterback Easton Stick, making his first start in place of the injured Herbert, completed 23 of 32 passes for 257 yards, with three touchdowns and an interception.
The result increases the pressure on Chargers coach Brandon Staley, following up Sunday’s defeat to the Denver Broncos in leaving his side 5-9, bottom of the AFC West and with just one win in their last six.
Such was their commanding lead the Raiders ran three straight gadget plays during the second quarter: wide receiver Jakobi Meyers completed a pass to Davante Adams, receiver Tre Tucker was given the ball on a running play and then Brandon Bolden scored on a 26-yard run out of the wildcat formation.
To open the second half, Meyers hooked up with Adams again, this time on a three-yard touchdown strike for a 49-0 lead.
Los Angeles finally broke through on its next possession when Stick found Joshua Palmer for a 79-yard touchdown, marking the first time the Chargers had made it past the 50.
