Raiders' Defense Shuts Down Patriots but Faces Major Test Against Chargers

LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Raiders' defense delivered a dominating second half in a 20-13 season-opening win over the New England Patriots, but the unit now faces a stiffer challenge when the Los Angeles Chargers visit Monday night.

Las Vegas completely shut down New England after halftime, allowing only a late field goal once the game was all but secure. The Patriots went through six consecutive empty possessions — five punts and an interception — and managed just 82 yards during that stretch. Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao said the performance was the kind of response needed after questions about the defense that followed the offseason.

The NFL's early-season spotlight now turns to Justin Herbert and a Chargers team that has shown the ability to score in bunches. Herbert threw for 318 yards and three touchdowns and added a 19-yard run on third-and-14 to clinch a 27-21 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil. Under second-year coach Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles has made it clear it intends to challenge Kansas City in the AFC West.

First-year Raiders coach Pete Carroll credited defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and the staff for adjustments that changed the game's complexion. "I thought Pat really adjusted well to what was going on in the game," Carroll said. "They threw the ball quite a bit, and he adjusted quickly and put us in good positions for rushing in, for covering and changing up and disguising and things like that. That really worked out for us. You could feel the surge on defense. It kind of changed the complexion of the game."

The Raiders' pass rush was a major factor, recording four sacks of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye — the most for the franchise in a season opener since a four-sack game in 2013 — and registering nine quarterback hits. Las Vegas pressured Maye on 22% of passing plays, according to Sportradar. The Patriots reached scoring position late largely because the Raiders played the clock and allowed a series of short completions.

On offense, quarterback Geno Smith completed 24 of 34 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown, the second-most passing yards for a Raiders quarterback in a season opener behind Derek Carr's 435 in 2021. Smith overcame an early interception and a porous offensive line that allowed four sacks. Smith also had nine completions of 20 yards or longer, tying his career high and equaling the Raiders' best since at least 1991.

The rushing attack struggled. Rookie second-round pick Ashton Jeanty was contained, rushing 19 times for 38 yards, with 44 yards coming after contact, according to Pro Football Focus. The offensive line's inability to open lanes was evident and will be an area to watch as the Raiders attempt to establish a more balanced attack against a Chargers defense that has shown improvement under Harbaugh.

Special teams produced a mixed bag: punter AJ Cole contributed field-flipping kicks but placed two inside the end zone for touchbacks, leaving him with a 38.6-yard net average. It was Cole's lowest net average since his rookie season in 2019.

Injuries tempered the postgame mood. Tight end Brock Bowers (knee) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (elbow) were listed day to day; Carroll said both could benefit from the extra time before Monday's divisional matchup. Bowers expressed hope an additional day of recovery would help his availability. Carroll also confirmed Smith played through a tight hamstring.

The outcome against New England gave Las Vegas a confidence boost, but the Raiders and their coaches acknowledge that sustaining defensive dominance will be critical in a division that includes two recent Super Bowl participants. A strong showing against Herbert and the Chargers on Monday would reinforce the belief that the Raiders' defense can be a foundation for the season; without it, doubts are likely to linger.

The Raiders host their first divisional opponent of the season when the Chargers visit Monday night in a key early test for both teams in the AFC West race.