Chargers pass MNF test with flying colors

The Chargers came out under the lights in their first primetime game of the season and proceeded to give the Raiders everything they could handle in a first half performance that included a 21-0 lead for the Chargers and little no offensive production for Las Vegas.

When the second half kicked off, everyone knew the Raiders would eventually find their footing and start punching their way back. They managed to score 14 unanswered points in the third quarter which closed the deficit to just seven, but the Chargers’ defense managed to regain their first-half form keep them out the end zone for the remainder of game before winning handedly at 28-14.

For their performance on MNF, CBS Sports’ John Breech handed the Bolts a shiny “A”.

Here’s what he had to say:

“This was almost a perfect all-around game from the Chargers, who dominated from start to finish. The domination started with Justin Herbert, who spent most of the first half toying with the Raiders defense, throwing for 175 yards and three touchdowns through the game’s first two quarters. Austin Ekeler also had his way with the Raiders defense in a game where he averaged 7.8 yards per carry (15 carries for 117 yards, plus two total touchdowns). The Chargers defense also got in on Monday night’s run with four sacks and an interception of Derek Carr. With wins over the Chiefs and Raiders over the past two weeks, the Chargers suddenly feel like a team that could end up winning the division.”

The Chargers haven’t begun a season 2-0 in the division in quite some time and that’s in stark contrast compared to the past few seasons where the Bolts were lucky to have multiple wins in the division by the end of the whole season.

With two wins coming over the Chiefs and Raiders already, they have just four AFC West matchups left with two of them coming against the Broncos. Through the first four weeks of the season, Denver is 3-1 after playing the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL. As things stand, I believe the Chargers are in a great position to make the postseason based on their hot start and their high chances of winning the majority of their divisional games which always go a long way in helping teams into the playoffs.