5 Takeaways: How the Chargers’ Stingy Defense Led the Way in Gritty 20-9 Win Over Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers are now a perfect 2-0 after a hard-fought 20-9 win over the Raiders on Monday Night Football. In a game defined by a fierce defensive struggle, the Chargers proved their new identity is built on grit, discipline, and a defense that refuses to break.

Head Coach Jim Harbaugh summed it up best: “Thank goodness for defense.” While the offense had its moments, it was the Chargers’ stingy defense that secured the victory, moving the team to the top of the AFC West standings.

Here are five key takeaways from the Chargers vs. Raiders Week 2 showdown.

1. An Early AFC West Lead

With their second straight win against a division rival, the Chargers are the only undefeated team in the AFC West. While it’s early in the 2025 NFL season, Derwin James Jr. and his teammates know the significance of a 2-0 divisional start, with only six such games on the schedule. This gritty primetime victory over the Raiders, a rivalry with deep historical ties, felt more meaningful than a typical win.

“This game in particular, growing up in San Diego, I’ve always seen and felt the rivalry with Chargers and Raiders,” said Tony Jefferson. “This one means a bit more… This was a real blue-collar game.”

2. Defense Shines in Victory

A week after the Raiders’ offense posted nearly 400 total yards, the Chargers’ defense completely stifled them. The Bolts held the Raiders to just 218 total yards and, most impressively, did not allow a single touchdown all night. All of the Raiders’ nine points came from three field goals by kicker Daniel Carlson.

Raiders quarterback Geno Smith had a night to forget, throwing for just 180 yards with three costly interceptions. The Chargers’ pass defense was lights out, recording an incredible 15 passes defensed. According to reports, seven different Chargers players had multiple pass breakups, tying a league record since the stat began being tracked in 1999. Interceptions came from Daiyan Henley, Tony Jefferson, and Donte Jackson.

Coach Harbaugh praised Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter’s game plan, calling it a “masterpiece.”

3. Bolts Lose Khalil Mack

The biggest concern from the game came from an injury to a defensive leader. Outside linebacker and captain Khalil Mack was forced to leave the game with an elbow injury on the final play of the first quarter. He returned to the sideline in a sling and was quickly ruled out.

His teammates immediately felt the void, but the team rallied around the loss. “It’s a blow to the heart. That’s my dog, that’s my vet. That’s someone I look up to,” said Tuli Tuipulotu, who would be relied on to step up in Mack’s absence.

4. All-Around Offensive Effort

The Chargers’ offense was a tale of two halves. They came out firing in the first, putting up 17 points, highlighted by a 10-yard touchdown pass from Justin Herbert to Keenan Allen and a beautiful 60-yard bomb to Quentin Johnston.

However, the second half saw the Raiders’ defense adjust, holding the Chargers to just one field goal. Despite the offensive struggles, Coach Harbaugh was pleased with how the team responded to pressure. The trio of Johnston, Allen, and Ladd McConkey combined for 13 catches for 180 yards and both of the Chargers’ scores. Herbert was efficient, throwing for 242 yards without an interception.

5. Defense Hangs Tough

With a 17-6 lead at halftime, the Chargers offense extended their lead to 20-6 with a long field goal drive. But the Chargers’ defense then had to endure a grueling 19-play, 62-yard Raiders’ drive that ate up over 11 minutes of the third quarter.

Despite being on the field for an extended period, the defense held its ground and limited Las Vegas to just three points. It was a decisive moment in the game, preventing the Raiders from cutting the lead to a single score. As Derwin James Jr. said, “That’s devastating, 19 plays and you don’t get in the end zone. For us to put the fire out, it’s good.”

The Chargers will now turn their attention to a Week 3 home game against the Broncos, with the goal of continuing to build on their impressive start to the season.