Entering into Week one of the 2022 NFL season, the stage was set for a rematch of the final game of the 2021 regular season between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers. It was an exciting win for the Raiders in January, who then advanced to the playoffs and knocked out the Chargers who lost 35-32 in an overtime battle to the end.

During the offseason the Chargers had made significant improvements to their roster along with the Raiders, who added the top wide receiver in the game, Davante Adams, extended tight end Darren Waller’s contract, and signed defensive end Chandler Jones. However as a life long Raiders fan, I still wasn’t confident about their chances of beating the Chargers in the season opener. My main concern is the team’s glaring ongoing weakness at offensive line, which has stunted running back Josh Jacobs’ thriving young career. The team’s offensive line woes intensified this pre-season with the release of Alex Leatherwood, who was the Raiders number 17 overall pick in the 2021 draft.

Leatherwood, was supposed to bullster down the right side of the Raiders offensive line, never achieved his college success in the NFL. It’s no secret that the Raiders have a problem keeping their draft picks on the field or even in the league. 

2022 Week 1: Raiders 19 Chargers 24 

After watching the despicable first half play by the Raiders, this score was a surprising finish. I believe Raiders fans should be hopeful about the rest of the season, because of the circumstances. We truly saw that Devante Adams is still a top three wide receiver, grabbing 10 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown.

The Chargers looked to be in control of this game the entire time with their explosive offense coming out and putting up 17 points in the first half and answering the Raiders second half touchdown right away. But the Raiders defense stepped up in the second half to limit a top three offense in the NFL to allow only seven more points.

Quarterback Derek Carr looked shaky especially after three interceptions, but what stood out to me about this Raiders team is they still looked confident in their ability to come back. Who knows what could have happened if there were five more minutes? Next week is another big test playing the Chiefs, so let’s show ‘em our path to the endzone.