The Raiders open the 2024 season on Sunday with a divisional showdown at the Chargers. Take a look at what the Chargers' players and coaches had to say ahead of Week 1.
On opening the season against a divisional opponent:
"We've got a lot of respect, like I said, for this Raiders team. They're very well-coached, they fly around, and you see that in the preseason. It doesn't take long for you to pick that up." - Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert
"I'm pretty sure it's going to be a good fight. That's a good team over there. Great players, great coaches." - Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins
"We've got a really, really strong opponent to start off with. Looking at the Raiders defense, they've got talent everywhere. They play extremely hard. They're very well-coached. A very experienced defensive coordinator. We know we've got our work cut out for us, but we're very excited about the challenge." - Chargers offensive coordinator Gregg Roman
On the challenges of facing a Patrick Graham-led defense:
"I think he's always got the flip side of the coin. He might try to show you something and try to get you to buy into that. Then he'll flip the switch on you. He definitely has a lot of different defensive approaches that he can tap into. Very multiple, sound. They play extremely hard up front, led by 98, [Maxx] Crosby. Obviously, I think everybody has worlds of respect for him and how he plays. He's the kind of guy that can wreck the game if you let him. So, you need to take that into account." - Chargers offensive coordinator Gregg Roman
On QB Gardner Minshew II:
"I've always been a big fan. He's a starting NFL quarterback. I think he presents a lot of problems. He plays with great ability and knowledge of the system and confidence. He's a winner. I've got a lot of respect for him." - Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
On DE Maxx Crosby:
"He's great against the run. He's great against the pass. He is about as physical and as slippery as a guy could be. Both at the same time. Whatever one he chooses, you've really got to be on your details, your technique, to have success or get a stalemate. That is success against a guy like Maxx Crosby. He's a tremendous football player." – Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh
"We've got a lot of respect for him. We know how talented he is. We know how talented that team is. We have to have our best effort this week because we know how special that team can be, especially that defense that really flies around, makes a lot of plays. We've been watching a lot of film." – Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert
On Christian Wilkins' presence alongside Maxx Crosby:
"It definitely kind of multiplies what they can do and the different combinations they can build. They didn't play a ton in the preseason, but they're really, really good players. You've got to be ready for them for both on one side, splitting them, flipping them, whatever happens they could be anywhere. Really good football players." - Chargers offensive coordinator Gregg Roman
On WR Davante Adams:
"You've just got to be ready because he presents a lot of challenges. He's great at creating space." - Chargers safety Derwin James Jr.
On TE Brock Bowers:
"He's a unicorn. There are a few tight ends like him in the league that are as fast as he is, that are as athletic as he is, that have the catch ability that he has, the run after the catch abiity that he's shown in college, ability to make tough catches and also willingness as a blocker. He's a high-end draft pick for a reason. Talented player, and somebody that we certainly need to know where he's at and kind of figure out early how they're trying to utilize their tight ends. They've got a really good group there. Definitely a challenge we look forward to." - Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter
As the Raiders head to SoFi Stadium for their Week 1 matchup, take a look back at past matchups between the Silver and Black and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Pete Banaszak (40) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, October 10, 1976.
Raiders defensive back Odis McKinney (23) makes a catch during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Kenny King (33) rushes as guard Gene Upshaw (63) blocks during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 1982.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) make a tackle during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Mark van Eeghen (30) rushes during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett(16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 1982.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 6, 1988.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, Novermber 10, 1985.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Thursday, December 1, 1983.
Raiders wide receiver Malcolm Barnwell (80) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders defensive tackle/defensive end Bill Pickel (71) and defensive back Vann McElroy (26) makesa tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the preseason away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Friday, August 23, 1991.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 1997.
Raiders guard Bruce Wilkerson (68) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 6, 1988.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12), center Barret Robbins (63) and guard Steve Wisniewski (76) line up before the snap during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders Raiders guard/tackle Darryl Ashmore (73) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 20, 1998.
Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders running back Wes Bener (49) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Monday, December 25, 1994.
The Raiders try to block a kick during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1990.
Raiders defensive tackle Chris Cooper (75) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 15, 2001.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Tee Martin (17) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders linebacker Eric Barton (50) and defensive back Anthony Newman (30) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) returns a punt 80-yard for a touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) passes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders cornerback Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands (90) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders linebacker Danny Clark (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 8, 2002.
Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel (85) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders defensive back Mike Jenkins (21) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) passes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (18) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders defensive end Jason Hunter (93) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) makes a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy (18) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders running back Marcel Reece (45) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders defensive back Mike Mitchell (34) and linebacker Ricky Brown (57) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) hands the ball off to running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter (16) passes as guard Robert Gallery (76) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders defensive end Justin Miller (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders tight end Tony Stewart (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders linebacker Jon Alston (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders defensive end Justin Miller (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders linebacker Napoleon Harris (58) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) celebrates as he returns an interception 66-yards for a touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (27) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders tight end John Madsen (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders defensive back Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders running back ReShard Lee (42) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks for wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Sio Moore (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) makes a 23-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Miles Burris (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 13-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders defensive end Denico Autry (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders linebacker Perry Riley Jr. (54) forces a fumble during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes as guard Gabe Jackson (66) blocks during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and defensive back Sean Smith (21) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019. The Raiders won 24-17.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
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, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after making a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
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, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) hits the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
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, Sunday, September 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
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, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
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, Sunday, October 1, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif.
