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Chargers Begin Jim Harbaugh Era, Welcome Raiders to L.A.
The Los Angeles Chargers are kicking off the Jim Harbaugh era this Sunday with a high-stakes AFC West matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. With both teams looking to make a strong statement in Week 1, Harbaugh returns to the NFL after his successful stint at Michigan, while Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce steps into his first full season after taking over as interim coach last year.
Harbaugh’s NFL Return with the Chargers
After guiding the San Francisco 49ers to a 44-19-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance between 2011-2014, Harbaugh is back in the NFL, ready to lead the Chargers. His return came with a five-year, $80 million contract, making waves across the league. Known for his quirky coaching style, Harbaugh is keeping things simple as he begins his journey in L.A.
“Just want to keep building,” Harbaugh said. “Be better today than we were yesterday, and better tomorrow than we were today.”
The new-look Chargers will be led by quarterback Justin Herbert, who’s healthy after battling plantar fasciitis last season. Herbert will have to adjust to some major changes in the offense, as veteran stars Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler are no longer with the team. Instead, Herbert will lean on wide receiver Joshua Palmer as his go-to target, along with 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey. In the backfield, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards will handle running duties.
Antonio Pierce Looks to Lead Raiders in First Full Season
Antonio Pierce, who stepped up as interim head coach last season and led the Raiders to a 5-4 finish, now enters his first full season as head coach. Pierce has been preparing his team for this divisional rivalry, emphasizing the importance of getting that first divisional win against a tough Chargers squad.
“We’re trying to get our first divisional win against a really good opponent who’s going to be motivated, well-coached, physical, and tough,” Pierce said. “We’ve got to bring our hard hats.”
Pierce, a Los Angeles native, made it clear that while his personal ties to the city are meaningful, the game is all about the team and making a statement.
see it. feel it. pic.twitter.com/H2b2Q4UC63
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 7, 2024
Raiders’ Offense Under New Leadership
One of Pierce’s first big decisions was naming Gardner Minshew II as the starting quarterback over rookie Aidan O’Connell. “Gardner gives us the best opportunity to get off to a fast start,” Pierce explained. Minshew will lead an offense that had its struggles last season, finishing 23rd in the league in total yards and points per game.
With Josh Jacobs now in Green Bay, the Raiders’ running game will rely on Zamir White, who steps in as the lead back after posting 451 rushing yards in 2023. New offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will need to improve the Raiders’ ground game, which ranked 30th in the league last year, averaging just 90.7 yards per game.
Maxx Crosby vs. Chargers Offensive Line
The Raiders’ defensive star is undoubtedly Maxx Crosby, who recorded 14.5 sacks last season. He’s the key player that Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offensive line will need to neutralize.
“We know how talented he is, we know how talented that team is,” Herbert said of Crosby. “That defense really flies around and makes a lot of plays.”
Crosby will lead a Raiders defense that’s built on a solid front four. However, the Chargers boast one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the league with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Bosa, who’s returning from injury, and Mack, who racked up 17 sacks last season, will be crucial to disrupting Minshew and the Raiders’ offense.
Chargers’ Defense: Built to Pressure
With Bosa and Mack anchoring the Chargers’ defense, the pressure will be on Minshew to make quick decisions. Harbaugh’s defensive-minded coaching, combined with the talent on the Chargers roster, is expected to create a tough environment for the Raiders.
The Chargers are dealing with a few injuries as well, with wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (hip) and cornerback Tarheeb Still (hip) limited in practice, but both are expected to be available for the game.
Key Matchups and What to Expect
This Week 1 showdown will be a battle between two teams looking to establish their identity under new leadership. The Chargers, with Harbaugh’s return to the NFL, are focused on building chemistry and improving game by game. The Raiders, under Pierce, are looking to get off to a fast start.
Watch for Justin Herbert to target Joshua Palmer early and often, while the Raiders will rely heavily on Maxx Crosby to disrupt Herbert’s rhythm. Meanwhile, the Chargers’ defense will look to stifle the Raiders’ running game, putting pressure on Zamir White to carry the load.
With both teams carrying high expectations into the season, this Week 1 matchup could set the tone for what’s to come. Fans can expect a highly competitive game between two AFC West rivals with something to prove.
