The Los Angeles Chargers, in their 20-9 defeat of the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2, rode on the shoulders of their strong defense, and particularly their secondary, for the second week in a row, coasting into a 2-0 start to the season.
However, the Raiders' game plan, which evidently involved a heavy play-action scheme and a number of bunch concepts in order to catch out the Chargers secondary, ultimately backfired upon them, showcasing both how their rivals underestimated Los Angeles's most vital unit and how difference-making the secondary as a whole can be this season.
Against both the Chiefs and the Raiders, the Chargers secondary has proven to yet again be one of the best in the league, and the team as a whole could be in for a major success if opponents continue to test it in this manner.
Raiders' game plan to test the Chargers secondary backfired miserably
From the very first play of the game, in which the Raiders attempted a rapid play action pass and the ball was deflected by Alohi Gilman and ultimately intercepted by Daiyan Henley, Las Vegas's game plan was clear.
Daiyan Henley comes down with the interception on the first play of the game!
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They were going to try to establish the run game with Ashton Jeanty, thereby forcing the Chargers to hedge their bets with their linebackers and exploit holes in the middle of the field under zone defense. Moreover, their use of bunch concepts throughout the game, and especially on their final drives as they attempted to overcome a rather large deficit, was meant to again throw off Los Angeles's tight secondary, leaving lanes open for receivers to run tight seams.
Typically, this would be an ideal gameplan for Smith, who thrives in launching the ball into tight windows and can often capitalize off of a play-action heavy scheme.
Yet, against the Chargers, each of these tactics ultimately resulted in interceptions. While their bunch concepts worked to get them into the redzone, it ultimately failed as a throw on a sail route to Jakobi Meyers was broken up by Derwin James and ultimately intercepted in the end zone by Donte Jackson.
While the interceptions will certainly serve as the highlight plays from the game, Los Angeles's secondary grew increasingly strong throughout the night. All of Henley, James, Gilman, Tuli Tuipulotu and even recent practice squad call-up Tony Jefferson had two passes defended on the night.
Despite the Raiders' creative playcalling, they were able to stay stuck to their assignments, and, while star tight end Brock Bowers being limited by a knee injury helped, they were able to contain what looks to be a rather dynamic pass-catching group for the team.
Therefore, by not leaning on their run game and short checkdowns more, Las Vegas failed to methodically work the ball down the field, vastly underestimating what has proven to be perhaps the strongest unit for the Chargers so far this season.