Just four days following a disheartening 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the Las Vegas Raiders orchestrated a remarkable turnaround by notching three touchdowns in the opening quarter, establishing a commanding 21-0 advantage over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night. Prior to this game, the Raiders had only managed to accumulate 21 points in a single game once during the season.
The initial score transpired as Zamir White, stepping in for the injured All-Pro Josh Jacobs, executed a 1-yard touchdown plunge, marking his inaugural career touchdown. This breakthrough occurred during the Raiders’ first offensive possession after enduring 15 consecutive drives without scoring, a dry spell dating back to the final three possessions against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 – the lengthiest such drought since 2019 with 18 successive scoreless drives.
The subsequent two touchdowns were facilitated by defensive takeaways. Malcolm Koonce’s strip-sack of Chargers quarterback Easton Stick, recovered by rookie Tyree Wilson, and Marcus Epps’ forced fumble on running back Joshua Kelley, with Jerry Tillery securing the ball, set the stage for these pivotal scores.
The first turnover led to an electrifying touchdown, as rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell connected with the fleet-footed Tre Tucker, who outpaced Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. for a 30-yard touchdown catch. Despite a potentially bobbled ball, a thorough review upheld the initial touchdown call.
The second turnover paved the way for the Raiders’ third first-quarter touchdown, with O’Connell finding Jakobi Meyers for a swift 22-yard score. This surge of 21 points marked the Raiders’ most prolific first quarter since 2010, when they led 24-0 against the Broncos, ultimately triumphing 59-14. It also marked the first instance of the Raiders scoring three touchdowns on their initial three possessions since 2015 against the New York Jets.
In a spectacular display, veteran running back Brandon Bolden, in his 12th year, added to the onslaught with an untouched 26-yard Wildcat formation touchdown, securing the Raiders a season-high 35 points and reminiscent of their 2010 game against the Broncos when they led 38-7 at halftime.
The Raiders, leading 35-0 with 3:50 left in the second quarter, showcased their offensive prowess with a trick play. Jakobi Meyers, after receiving a pass, identified Davante Adams in the right corner of the end zone, connecting with him for a 3-yard score. This unconventional play, executed while leading by 42 points, pushed the Raiders further ahead at 49-0.
