Aunque el marcador final indicó que los Cargadores vencieron a los Raiders 22-10, durante la gran mayoría del partido fue uno más cerrado. La defensa hizo su parte, con una primera mitad que dejó un sabor de boca más que grato, y una segunda mitad donde pusieron a la ofensiva en posición para ejecutar, pero no se pudieron poner los suficientes puntos en la pizarra para tener la oportunidad de entrar a los últimos cinco minutos del juego ya sea pudiendo empatar o remontar.
"(El juego) no fue de la manera que queríamos, no terminamos", declaró el entrenador en jefe Antonio Pierce en su conferencia de prensa del lunes, un día después de la derrota. "Los Raiders no hicieron un buen trabajo de cuidar a los Raiders, nos hicimos daño a nosotros mismos. Le damos el crédito a ellos (los Cargadores), pero hay cosas que podemos limpiar y hacer mucho mejor. Los detalles importan y creo que nuestros elementos jugaron duro, dieron el esfuerzo y compitieron fuerte, pero al final del día ellos (los Cargadores) hicieron y crearon las jugadas que nosotros no".
El fútbol americano es un deporte de pulgadas y al mismo tiempo podemos pensar en cómo hay jugadas claves en cada partido que te pueden cambiar el rumbo, como fue el caso para Las Vegas con un par de balones sueltos que trabaron a su ofensiva cerca de la mitad del campo. Minshew perdió el ovoide durante la ofensiva de dos minutos de los Malosos en el cierre de la primera mitad, y Zamir White durante un acarreo en la segunda serie ofensiva del tercer cuarto. Si bien, los Cargadores solo anotaron un gol de campo proveniente de estos fumbles, fueron oportunidades que se dejaron para un ataque que solo pudo entrar a la zona roja en una ocasión durante el partido.
"Sentí que fueron muchas cosas pequeñas", declaró el mariscal de campo Gardner Minshew sobre la ofensiva no estando sincronizada. "No estábamos lo suficientemente ajustados, no ejecutamos en general. Creo que eso se solucionará con el tiempo, creo que vamos a lograr que todos estén en la misma sintonía. Todos quieren regresar a trabajar (en esto), todos estarán en el edificio mañana. Me siento bien con respecto a nuestras posibilidades de hacerlo bien".
Defensivamente, la unidad comandada por el coordinador Patrick Graham hizo un trabajo extraordinario en la primera mitad, donde no permitieron que los Cargadores movieran las cadenas en siete terceras oportunidades, limitándolos a solo 83 yardas de producción entre los primeros dos cuartos. En la segunda mitad, Los Angeles capitalizó con dos acarreos explosivos de JK Dobbins entre los que se combinó para 108 yardas, más de la tercera parte de la ofensiva total del partido para el conjunto del rayo. Los Malosos permitieron 68 yardas entre los otros 25 acarreos de los Cargadores (promedio de 2.72 yardas en esas jugadas). La defensiva aérea de Las Vegas limitó a Justin Herbert a 144 yardas, la menor cantidad que ha lanzado en un partido ante los Raiders en su carrera, pero en los deportes el resultado final es lo más importante y el inspirador accionar de la defensa negro y plata no fue suficiente para obtener la victoria, aunque eso no desilusiona al equipo.
"Obviamente, trabajas duro durante la temporada baja y el campo de entrenamiento, intentando construir lo correcto para producir victorias", aseguró el tackle defensivo Christian Wilkins el lunes. "Pero algo más de lo que hablamos es el proceso por encima del resultado, obviamente quieres ganar y esperas ganar cada partido, sino no hay razón por la cual salir al campo. Cuando ves el video y das un paso atrás de todo, puedes procesar todo. Porque hay veces donde ganas y no juegas bien, o no juegas perfecto que es lo que quieres. Pero hay positivos, hay lecciones que aprender sin importar el resultado de ganar, perder o empatar".
Gardner Minshew completó 25 de los 33 pases que intentó, con un pase anotador, una intercepción y un balón suelto perdido, además de tres acarreos para cinco yardas. En total, 8 jugadores recibieron al menos un pase de Minshew, incluyendo al cuarteto de Jakobi Meyers (3 recepciones para 61 yardas), Davante Adams (5 recepciones para 59 yardas), el ala cerrada novato Brock Bowers (6 recepciones para 58 yardas), y Alexander Mattison (4 recepciones para 43 yardas y una anotación). Lo que afectó a los Raiders fue que solo 21 de sus 59 jugadas ofensivas fueron en territorio enemigo, pasando la mitad del campo.
Previo al juego, el ala defensiva Malcolm Koonce fue colocado en la lista de reserva lesionados por una lesión de rodilla. Durante la primera mitad del partido, el ala defensiva Tyree Wilson se encaminó al vestidor para ser revisado por una lesión de rodilla, siendo listado como cuestionable pero no regresó al campo.
Los Malosos pasan de un reto importante como visitantes ante los Cargadores a otro reto de alto calibre en patio ajeno al verse las caras en Baltimore a los Cuervos el domingo, duelo en el cual tanto los Raiders como sus rivales en turno estarán buscando su primera victoria de la temporada 2024.
View the best photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole's (6) jersey in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller's (74) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby's (98) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II's (15) jersey in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers' (89) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane's (41) pads in the locker room prior to the Raiders' arrival for their regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) arrives to the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) on the bench before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
A football on the field before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers coach Edgar Bennett on the bench before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Fans before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Charles Woodson before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers huddle before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders walk down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce before the Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) warming up before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce runs down the tunnel before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Luke Masterson (59) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) waits for the team to introduced onto the field before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) on the bench before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the national anthem before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) on the sidelines before the Las Vegas Raiders' regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the coin toss before the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks off during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pumps up the crowd during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a 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 first down during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) runs after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates with teammates after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates with quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera (99) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) on the bench during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) celebrates on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pumps up the crowd during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) celebrate on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) celebrates on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates on the field during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) passes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) blocks during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 32-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) celebrates after making a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the sidelines 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 Gardner Minshew II (15) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
