It can't be like last week.
That statement went through Jack Jones' mind repeatedly as he entered Allegiant Stadium this afternoon. The Las Vegas Raiders had a short week coming into their primetime Thursday Night Football game against the Chargers. And while their 3-0 defeat from Week 14 had come and gone, a bitter taste remained in the mouth.
Jones was right, Thursday night's game wasn't anything like Sunday's.
The team that was shut out at home four days ago played like a team seeking redemption. A team that wanted to give their home crowd a good product. A team that scored a franchise record 63 points.
Throughout the full 60 minutes, it seemed the Chargers never gained momentum for any part of it. The Silver and Black took a 21-point lead with three minutes left in the first quarter and didn't look back.
The Raiders offense scored another three touchdowns in the second quarter, with Aidan O'Connell throwing touchdown passes to fellow rookies Michael Mayer and Tre Tucker, and running back Brandon Bolden scoring a 26-yard rushing touchdown in wildcat formation.
"We wanted to be aggressive regardless of what the score was," said Antonio Pierce. "If we only had 21 or 10, we were going to be aggressive. That was our mindset. Talked to our team about it last week, playing better in the second half, I thought we did."
The defense chipped in with five takeaways on forced fumbles from Malcolm Koonce (two), Marcus Epps, Robert Spillane and DJ Turner in special teams. Koonce's second forced fumble resulted in a John Jenkins fumble recovery returned 44 yards to the house.
"If I can help the team in anyway, it's always a good feeling," Koonce said of his career performance. "[T]he effort from the whole defense was great. We set the tone the whole day today."
The Raiders' last seven points of the day came from Jones, securing a pick-six in highlight fashion. The cornerback ran a screen route in perfect sync with Easton Stick throwing the ball in the flat, and with a one-handed catch, ran to the end zone.
"Last week when we left that field and came into the locker room, that feeling we had in that locker room for losing that game we know we should've won – it's the worst," Jones said. "We just all came together as a team and said, 'That's not what we want. Next play, keep going. Let's not let it be what it was last week.'"
The defensive touchdown from Jones was significant for multiple reasons. It led to a total 63 points for a franchise record of most points scored in a game. It was also the cornerback's first interception as a Raider, playing under the tutelage of Pierce who's been his coach at the high school, collegiate and now professional level.
"He means everything to me, he damn near a father figure," Jones said of Pierce. "From high school all the way up to now, just mentoring me through the ups and downs. He's a big piece of my life."
While history was made tonight, come tomorrow the Silver and Black will resume looking at the big picture of closing out the season. They'll have more than a week to prepare for another tough division matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
"We were on the wrong side of history [last week]. Well, we're on the right side now and that's the way we want to be," Pierce said. "Turnovers, points, they always come in bunches. For us, it became a frenzy. You saw it on defense, you saw it on offense, special teams jumped in it. Just look at the sideline. If you didn't see it, you could hear it. Hats off to our team responding four days after what just happened here previously.
"Give them a couple days off, we're going to come back and get ready for these world champs."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) celebrates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) celebrates after rushing for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91), linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) and offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after making a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after making a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after making a 30-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (77) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Robert Spillane (41) and safety Marcus Epps (1) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0), safety Marcus Epps (1) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) after making a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) celebrates with running back Zamir White (35) after making a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jesper Horsted (80) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) and linebacker Robert Spillane (41) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DeAndre Carter (3) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) forces a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) recovers a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) recovers a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) makes an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates with running back Zamir White (35) after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) celebrates after making an 11-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) rushes for a 26-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) rushes for a 26-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) rushes for a 26-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) celebrates after rushing for a 26-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) celebrates with tight end Michael Mayer (87) after rushing for a 26-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (34) celebrates with linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) after rushing for a 26-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Dylan Parham (66) and offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) makes a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates after making a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (11) celebrates with fans after making a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Greg Van Roten (70) and kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) and punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Bilal Nichols (91) and defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with fans after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates with fans after making a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fans during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) and wide receiver DJ Turner (19) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and fullback Jakob Johnson (45) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) and linebacker Divine Deablo (5) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) forces a fumble during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) recovers a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) recovers a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) recovers a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) celebrates after recovering a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) celebrates after recovering a fumble for a 44-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce on the sidelines during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) returns an interception for a 16-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) celebrates after returning an interception for a 16-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Signage on the video board honoring a franchise record during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) and cornerback Tyler Hall (37) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Curtis Bolton (36), defensive lineman Adam Butler (69) and cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Janarius Robinson (97) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Jerry Tillery (90) and linebacker Curtis Bolton (36) during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson (45) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones (18) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle John Jenkins (95) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach Antonio Pierce addresses his players in the locker room after the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium.
