Versus: Battles in the trenches highlight season opener in Los Angeles

Sep 04, 2024 at 04:25 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

The Las Vegas Raiders couldn't ask for a better opponent to open their 2024 season against than a divisional rival.

This encounter between the Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers will be their first of two annual matchups, and the first since the Raiders scored a franchise-record 63 points against the team in 2023.

While a handful of coaching changes and additions have been made to both rosters, there's still a large amount of familiarity between the two teams. The Chargers nucleus consists of Justin Herbert, Derwin James and Rashawn Slater, while the Raiders are returning most of the starting defensive unit, led by Maxx Crosby, Robert Spillane and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

With this Week 1 matchup just a few days away, here are three battles at the line of scrimmage that could make or break the game for the Raiders.

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Kolton Miller vs. Khalil Mack

The last time the Raiders played the Chargers in SoFi Stadium, former Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack had six – yes, six – sacks.

As the vet of the O-line, Kolton Miller will be tasked with not letting that happen again.

The Raiders star left tackle returned to practice a few weeks ago with full expectation he'll be ready to go Week 1. He was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to the injury report. Despite the time Miller missed in training camp, he's still the backbone of the team's offensive line, going into his seventh season starting on the blind side.

He'll have his hands full Week 1 as the Chargers pose a threat off the edge with Mack and former Pro Bowler Joey Bosa. Mack set career highs in sacks (17) and pass deflections (10) last season, along with five forced fumbles. It's also hard not to ignore his history tied with the Raiders franchise that drafted him in 2014.

Maxx Crosby vs. Joe Alt

Chargers' first-round pick Joe Alt was highly regarded as the top offensive line prospect in this draft class.

The two-time All-American allowed only one sack in his last two collegiate seasons and earned a 90+ offensive grade from Pro Football Focus each of those seasons. Following his first NFL training camp , he's ascended to the top of the depth chart. In Alt's 55 snaps played in the preseason, he only allowed one pressure with no sacks. He's now slotted to start on the right side across from Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater.

"He's tough, he has a big frame and he's physical," Michael Mayer said about Alt, his former teammate at Notre Dame. "To be honest with you he's the best offensive lineman I played with in college."

However the first start of his NFL start of his career could be an eye-opening experience. Across the line of scrimmage will be none other than Maxx Crosby.

Let's recap Crosby's 2023 season: tied for first in the league for tackles for loss, second-most solo tackles of all defensive linemen, a career-high 14.5 sacks – all while playing 95 percent of defensive snaps. He was an NFL Defensive Player of the Year finalist and voted by his peers as the 10th best player in the league. Now with Christian Wilkins playing alongside him, it's not too crazy to envision Crosby raising the bar even higher in 2024.

"[Alt] likes to get his hands on you and something No. 98 [Crosby] is the best at is not letting you get his hands on him," Mayer said. "So I'm really looking forward to that matchup."

In Crosby's 10 career games against the Chargers, he's compiled 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss.

Jakorian Bennett vs. Ladd McConkey

Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey has shown a lot of promise before the season starts.

The two-time national champion was drafted in the second round this year following an exceptional career at Georgia. He averaged over 14 yards a catch as a Bulldog and scored 18 total touchdowns. With Justin Herbert's ability to air the ball out, McConkey seems to be a viable option in the Chargers aerial attack against the Raiders this Sunday.

On the defensive side of the ball, it makes sense to match speed for speed with Jakorian Bennett. The second-year cornerback from Maryland is one of the fastest players on the team, with a physical play style to supplement his athleticism. Bennett showcased great improvement this offseason, re-staking his claim for the starting cornerback role next to Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones.

"I know the type of player I am. Not too many people are going to run past me," Bennett said last Wednesday. "If I can just slow the game down and not really rely on my physical attributes, that's a plus. I'm continuing to get in the film room, continuing to find little nuggets here and there, little tips and continue to play fast and play physical."

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Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.