By Fredo Cervantes
It was week 18 of the 2021-2022 NFL season with the last game of the season on Sunday Night Football between one of the greatest rivalries in the NFL as the Chargers visit the Raiders in Vegas for a win or go home game.
The Chargers decided to start the game with the defense on the field and receive the ball in the second half as the Raiders got a field goal in the first drive after completing a few first downs. It didn’t take long for the Chargers to go three in out, which they have the second fewest three and outs in the NFL.
This is the first game thus far that the Chargers are fully healthy on the defensive side of the ball and it has not been looking good in the first quarter and that’s why they have allowed 10 early points.
At one point late in the first quarter there was a wild throw and catch that ended up in Ekeler’s hands. Big momentum catch for the Chargers as they were trying to breath for a first down. Chargers TE Jared Cook made some impressive catches for first downs in this game which is something the Chargers have been needing in the past few weeks with his absence.
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has been the biggest and most important offensive piece on the field all season long in my opinion and he is making his case today on prime time. He’s been remarkable in my eyes by running the ball and also receiving. As the second quarter was winding down, Ekeler got a screened pass by Herbert as he continued to take in to the end zone for his 20th touchdown of the season. Chargers led 14-10 for a quick second until the Raiders got a quick touchdown that put them ahead 17-14 heading into halftime. Quick Note: Austin Ekeler showed the world his value on a national stage.
There has been multiple bad calls by the refs which gave the Raiders the lead late in the first half 17-14. Not to say that the refs were being unfair but there was some ridiculous PI calls that make you scratch your head but this one was a slap in the face to Los Angeles.
Where the ball ended up vs. where the foul occurred pic.twitter.com/iKCd55mCTy
— Pick Six Podcast (@picksixpod) January 10, 2022
As the second half began with the Chargers having the ball, they got good field position but only to kick a field goal and miss it. Even after the bad kick, the Chargers forced a three and out against the Raiders on the following drive.
The Raiders have been on the field making every play matter and it seemed like the Chargers were taking them lightly in this game which was a do or die game for both teams. Now with the way the Chargers played this game, it seemed like this was not the year for them.
Raiders QB Derek Carr played maybe the best game of his career under the most pressure he’sever faced. Even tho it seemed like the Chargers gave this game away with a few turnovers, it didn’t take long for the Chargers to give up in this game, which it seem like they did for a second.
As the Chargers were out in the field in the 4th quarter with the game on the line, Herbert seemed to be making some good decisions. There was a critical throw by Herbert late in the 4th that was a complete pass but had his knees down on the floor as he caught the ball. Play was challenged by Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley and it was overturned as the Chargers continued to move closer to the end zone.
This game was owned by the refs as the refs made plenty of huge calls to attempt to control this game which they did. Herbert seem to have the biggest confidence in this game as he converted a touchdown and a 2 point conversion late in the 4th quarter.
This is the first game this year that the pressure is really on both teams to be perfect down the stretch.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert threw some clutch throws in clutch moments late in the game which allowed the game to go to overtime. He converted multiple first downs on 4th down completions that were just remarkable to see. Both teams battled away as they forced overtime.
4th and mfreaking 23
📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/XpPMuIUgp7
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 10, 2022
During the most interesting overtime of the year, The Chargers forced the Raiders to a field goal and then the Chargers got a field goal of their own. Game was tied at 32 during overtime and both teams kept battling each other until the Raiders made the game come to an end with another field goal to win late in OT 35-32.
Personally for myself, watching this game was so unreal. I was left with my jaw just falling to the floor after what I just witness on Sunday Night Football. Watching what Justin Herbert did was greatness in the making and it was something really special watching it wind dwon to the last second of the game.
The Chargers were eliminated with the loss to the Raiders as they now look forward to an early off season and lots of questions to be answered after lots of critical calls by the Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley. One man who doesn’t deserve any type of criticism is Justin Herbert. He was as great as we can see out on the field. He completed lots of clutch throws to keep the Chargers in the game being down 26-14 with under 5 mins remaining. Lots of people counted the Chargers out late in the game but what people don’t know is how great Justin Herbert is as a quarterback.
#Chargers QB Justin Herbert completion gives Herbert the first 5,000 yard passing season in #Chargers history #TheFredoReport #BoltUp
— Fredo (@FredoCervantes) January 10, 2022
I’ve seen Justin Herbert every game this season do this all year long with clutch throws on third and fourth downs. He was just not given the opportunity to go out there again as the Raiders got a field goal to win the game. The urgency from the Chargers was not there from the very beginning of the game as they trailed 10-0.
The season certainly comes to an end as the Chargers now face lots of questions to be answered moving into next season. Resigning WR Mike Williams should be a priority but who knows what the Chargers might do with the long history they have on paying players. The defense front line should be a priority as they had one of the worst rush defenses in the league this year. The Chargers put paused on Sunday Night and will continue they’re excellence next season which should be very exciting to see what’s to come.
Last thing, I want to thank everyone who has been supporting me and everyone who began to follow my work this season, Thank You! I will continue to bring you the latest and most entertaining coverage on the Los Angeles Chargers and the rest of the sports world.
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