Perfection wasn't expected of the Las Vegas Raiders in their 2024 season opener against the Chargers.
Nevertheless, there are a few plays they wish they could've got back in the 22-10 defeat.
The Silver and Black generated nearly 300 yards of total offense, with Gardner Minshew II completing passes to eight different players. They also held the lead for a good portion of the contest, relying on stout defensive play that didn't allow the Chargers to score a touchdown until the final period.
The crucial miscues for the Raiders came on third downs and in the turnover margin. The offense was 5-of-14 on third-down conversions plus had two turnovers from Minshew and a fumble from Zamir White.
"The run game was poor. The passing game was off," Head Coach Antonio Pierce said following the loss. "Turnovers, you can't do it. You can't have three turnovers on the road and expect to win."
Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers were expected to rely on the running game, which the defense limited well in the first half. However, a few explosive runs from J.K. Dobbins changed everything in the second half. It didn't help that for the Raiders offense, White and Alexander Mattison were held to less than four yards per carry throughout the contest.
"It's something we harped on, we talked about for literally two weeks," Piece said of the team's rushing attack. "I thought for the most part of the preseason, we did a decent job of that. But you look at it, we had two explosive runs, got to hold them. Got another explosive run, we fumble the ball.
"It seemed like right when we got to midfield, there was like this - like something that was going on. It would just either push us back or we couldn't figure it out. ... We've got to obviously look at it. It's not good enough, because there was plenty of opportunities for us to put points on the board."
The bright spot for the Raiders offense was their 2024 first-round pick Brock Bowers. The former John Mackey Award winner finished the day with a team-high six receptions, which also tied for second-most catches for a tight end in their NFL debut in history.
The rookie had a few jitters to begin his first NFL game, but the nerves wore off real quick after a few catches.
"I did some good things, I did some bad things," Bowers said. "We're just going to watch film on it and get better, we'll see what it looked like. I'm pretty good at staying even keel. I just felt I was cruising the whole game and it felt good to be out there."
Things don't get easier for the Raiders heading into their Week 2 matchup on the road against the reigning AFC North Champion Baltimore Ravens. With an explosive quarterback like Lamar Jackson on the other sideline, the offense will need to look to more points on the scoreboard to aid the defense.
"We've got to move on. Next play mentality, next game mentality," said Davante Adams, who finished the day with five catches for 59 yards. "There's really nothing we can do about it [now]. I think if we'd come out and take care of a few things a little better, we definitely win the game.
"But we didn't. So now it's time to move on to Baltimore."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyreik McAllister (32) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) and cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) 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) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) 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 Robert Spillane (41) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders special teams during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) 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 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) and tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) 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 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 running back Alexander Mattison (22) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) after making a 31-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) 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 tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) and linebacker Amari Burney (56) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) and linebacker Amari Burney (56) 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 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 cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) 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 safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) 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 wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) 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 quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) 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 Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) 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 tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (3) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison (22) 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) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (94) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (7) and defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) 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) during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
