Davante Adams turned in a masterful Raiders debut performance – but with a less than desired result.
Despite a late comeback bid from the Silver and Black, the Chargers held on for the 24-19 victory. The stingy Los Angeles defense made it tough on the Raiders offense the whole game.
Although they were trailing 17-3 at the end of the first half, the Silver and Black climbed back for the chance to win on the last drive.
While working their way down the field in efforts of taking the lead after the two minute mark, Carr was sacked on fourth down by his former teammate Khalil Mack – ending any comeback trail in its tracks.
"They certainly played and coached better than we did today. There was a lot to learn from in this game in terms of how we want to try to play and win," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said postgame. "Obviously, it's difficult to win when you lost the turnover margin the way that we did and give them opportunities. They're a good football team and they took advantage of some of those, especially there in the second quarter.
"I like the way our team fought," continued McDaniels on the second half comeback attempt. "I respect the fact that we made it a game, had an opportunity there at the end, but we've got to do a lot better and we can."
Even with the struggles the offense had at times, Adams had no problems dissecting the Chargers secondary. The Pro Bowl receiver totaled 10 catches, 141 yards and a touchdown in his first game as Raider – the second-most receiving yards ever by a player in their Raiders debut.
"It's exciting to play with him but, he'll tell you like I will, we just want to win," Derek Carr said. "We'll turn the film on. I'll be better about making too aggressive decisions when I don't have to. That's what it really came down to is me forcing the ball to my guys in moments where I didn't need to."
Despite the loss, Adams still has a positive outlook on the trajectory of the team. After all, it's just Week 1.
"I look at [the loss] as something that's encouraging," said Adams. "We beat ourselves today, really. Not taking anything away from [the Chargers], they're a really good team. But we turned the ball over the way that we did today and we still had the opportunity to go down there and win. It says a lot about you as a team, fighting through adversity and our defense did their thing in the second half.
"We've just got to find a way to take care of the ball a little bit better and go down there and win. I see it as something we can feed off of moving forward."
At the end of the game in the locker room, Adams could be seen with a new prized possession in his hands – the football of his first touchdown grab as a Raider. As he carefully tucked the ball away in his duffle bag, the East Palo Alto native will have something he can always remember from his first game playing for his childhood team.
"This is kind of my turning [a] page in a new chapter in my career," said Adams. "So to get into the end zone for my childhood team is something that means a lot to me. I didn't end up winning the game with it, but it's still something that means a lot to me."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Sofi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 23-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Anthony Averett (29) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and wide receiver Davante Adams (17) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) makes an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) makes an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) celebrates after making an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) celebrates with wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) after making an 18-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard John Simpson (76) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard John Simpson (76) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a 55-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Roderic Teamer (33) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
