Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll have been trading sideline stares for nearly two decades, dating back to their USC-Stanford rivalry and NFC West battles between the 49ers and Seahawks. On Monday night, it was Harbaugh who came out on top, as his Los Angeles Chargers beat Carroll’s Las Vegas Raiders, 20-9.
The victory was more than just a divisional win for Los Angeles, as it marked the latest installment in one of football’s most enduring coaching rivalries — one that began with Harbaugh’s infamous “What’s your deal?” upset at the Coliseum in 2007.
Now, with Harbaugh in his second season leading the Chargers and Carroll’s first season back in the league since stepping down in Seattle, the competition has shifted to the AFC but retained its familiar edge.
The win moves the Chargers to 2-0. With the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs still winless and the Denver Broncos losing to the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles now stands alone atop the AFC West with a chance to win it for the first time since 2019.
It was a night that mixed celebration and concern for Los Angeles, as the win would see star edge rusher Khalil Mack leave the game early with a left elbow injury.
Despite the setback, the Chargers leaned on timely defensive plays and a balanced offensive attack to secure their second consecutive divisional win.
After Mack’s injury in the first quarter — when his elbow bent awkwardly while attempting a tackle on wide receiver Tre Tucker — the Chargers’ defense would pick off Raiders quarterback Geno Smith three times, keeping Las Vegas from finding rhythm.
Justin Herbert overcame a slow start to deliver another steady performance. The quarterback opened the game just 1-of-5, but settled in the game it went on.
Herbert led a 72-yard drive late in the first quarter, capping it with a 10-yard touchdown strike to veteran wideout Keenan Allen. With just under two minutes left in the first half, Herbert connected with third-year receiver Quentin Johnston on a 60-yard strike down the sideline, stretching the lead and quieting the Raiders crowd.
Herbert went on to finish the game throwing 19-of-27 for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
Johnson also continued to build on his impressive season so far, following his two touchdown performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil last week.
The Chargers offense sputtered at times, particularly on the ground. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton struggled to find lanes, rushing eight times for 24 yards and losing a fumble in the final minutes after being met by star edge rusher Maxx Crosby during a handoff.
The fumble was ultimately charged to Herbert and not Hampton.
Las Vegas moved the ball but repeatedly faltered in scoring range. Geno Smith finished 24-of-43 for 180 yards, but took three sacks and threw three interceptions. One of the only positives for Raiders was kicker Daniel Carlson, who made three field goals including one from 54 yards for Vegas’ first points of the game.
Up next, the Chargers host the Denver Broncos in their home opener. A win would give Los Angeles a clean sweep of the AFC West to open the season, strengthening their hold on the division and positioning them not just as early contenders — but as legitimate threats in the AFC playoff race.