The Las Vegas Raiders lost their 2024 season opener to the Los Angeles Chargers, 22-10. Despite a strong defensive effort in the first half, holding the Chargers to just 83 total yards, the Raiders struggled offensively. Quarterback Gardner Minshew had a rough game. The offensive line failed to protect him adequately. Allowing constant pressure from the Chargers’ defense, including Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
The Raiders’ run defense was a major issue, as they allowed 176 rushing yards, including a standout performance by JK Dobbins, who ran for 135 yards and a touchdown. On the bright side, tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers were offensive standouts, with Bowers recording six receptions for 56 yards and Meyers contributing 61 receiving yards on three catches.
This game turned into the J.K Dobbins show. Dobbins rushed for 135 yards on 10 carries, including a 12 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Dobbins’ best game at Ohio State came in 2019 against Michigan, when he ran for 211 yards and four touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ 56-27 victory over Harbaugh’s Wolverines. The former Buckeye standout was a second-round pick by the Ravens in 2020 but has struggled with injuries. He played in only one game last year when he tore his Achilles tendon during the second half of Baltimore’s opener against Houston.
“It’s good. We are the same side now. That’s all I can say, and we’re going to keep working together,” said Dobbins. Who signed a one-year deal with the Chargers during the offseason after beginning his career in Baltimore.
Harbaugh back like he never left
It was a gritty win in typical Jim Harbaugh fashion. His teams are known for their physicality on both sides of the ball. From the looks of things, he’ll continue that with the Chargers. Harbaugh awarded the game ball after securing his first win as a Chargers coach.
“Wins are hard to get. Everybody in that locker room knows it, as do I,” Harbaugh said. “It is really hard to win a game in the NFL, and I just take my hats off to really everybody in the organization, especially those that have been here doing the dirty work.”
