Raiders erupt for franchise-record 63 points in rout of Chargers

Every once in a while, a night comes around that makes you wonder just how close the Raiders might be.

Such was the case Thursday when they ambushed the Chargers in a 63-21 beating so pronounced that it set a team record for points in a game, kept their faint playoff hopes alive and provided a stark contrast to their scoreless effort against the Vikings four days ago.

At 6-8, the Raiders must sweep their final three games against the Chiefs, Colts and Broncos. It’s a daunting task to be sure. But after their performance Thursday at Allegiant Stadium, anything seems possible.

“When we play cohesive football, that’s what happens,” said cornerback Nate Hobbs, raising the possibility of a dramatic run.

It wasn’t so much how easily they handled their AFC West rivals, though it can safely be said they controlled them from start to finish in one of the most complete Raiders performances ever.

It was who was doing the controlling — and the glimpse into the future they might have provided.

The night belonged to a bunch of younger Raiders being counted on as the future foundation. It started with rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who torched the Chargers for 248 yards and four touchdowns to complete a bit of a full circle for himself. His first start was against the Chargers in Week 4, when he was sacked seven times, fumbled three times and threw an interception.

The turnaround from then to now was almost shocking, even if it was against a depleted Los Angeles team playing without star quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Keenan Allen. The tentative O’Connell who held onto the football far too long in October was replaced by an assertive version who sprayed the ball to seven receivers and made quick, decisive decisions.

But O’Connell was just part of the story.

The presence of fellow rookies Tre Tucker and Michael Mayer was felt all over the field. So was that of third-year rush end Malcolm Koonce and second-year cornerback Jack Jones and running back Zamir White.

Meanwhile, second-year offensive tackle Thayer Munford filled in admirably for Kolton Miller, who missed his second straight game with a shoulder injury, and fellow sophomore Dylan Parham made a seamless slide from left guard to center to take over for injured starter Andre James.

The speedy Tucker had three catches for 59 yards and his first two touchdowns. His speed was the key element that pushed him into the third round of the NFL draft, and he flashed it all night while running past the Chargers secondary,

Mayer, who has been coming on as a blocker and pass catcher, added four catches for 39 yards and a touchdown.

Mayer’s and Tucker’s scores came in the first half to help the struggling offense pummel the Chargers by running off 42 points by halftime.

Koonce had two sacks and two forced fumbles as part of the five turnovers created by the surging defense that came into the game surrendering the ninth-fewest points in the NFL. Almost out of nowhere, Koonce has blossomed this season, with his second sack and second forced fumble leading to defensive tackle John Jenkins’ 44-yard touchdown on the recovery to make it 56-7.

Jones, picked up off waivers last month from the Patriots, had five tackles and an interception for a touchdown when he read Chargers quarterback Easton Stick and made a perfect break on the ball for an interception he returned 16 yards for a touchdown and 63-7 lead.

“An unbelievable play,” Hobbs said.

White, filling in for the injured Josh Jacobs, scored his first career touchdown and picked up 69 yards on 17 carries. The second-year running back set career highs in yards and carries in his first extensive action.

“It felt good just to show everyone I’m here if needed,” he said.

The Raiders’ veterans contributed, too. Davante Adams had eight catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Maxx Crosby and Robert Spillane each had four tackles while setting their usual tone.

But it was the youngsters who did most of the heavy lifting, and the step they took was profoundly felt.

“The young guys are the ones that you need,” Adams said. “Just getting the ball in their hands and let different guys make plays, that’s what we need to keep the momentum going.”

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.