WATCH: Massive fight breaks out in Chargers-Raiders game with players throwing punches
The Chargers and the Raiders brought the head to the 2024 NFL season as the rivals got into a skirmish in the endzone with the score 22-10 in favor of Los Angeles. The divisional matchups are always a high-stakes affair, and Las Vegas clearly did not like that it was that far behind in a game against its fellow AFC West franchise.
Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston and Raiders corner Nate Hobbs were two of the players involved. It happened just beyond the endzone and brought the referees' attention as flags flew all around. Below is a video of the altercation:
Chargers and Raiders feeling early pressure in AFC West
The Chargers and the Raiders failed to make it to the playoffs last year. They both have new head coaches as they try to correct that this season. But it will not be easy in a division that includes the Kansas City Chiefs, who have won two consecutive Super Bowls.
The AFC West is also playing against the AFC North in an intraconference rotation this year, and each of the teams in that division finished with a winning record last season. Therefore, the games against interdivisional rivals might be the best bets for both the Raiders and the Chargers to get some points.
The 22-10 loss to begin the season will heap pressure on Las Vegas. Antonio Pierce got the job permanently this offseason after being in interim charge last term, but he knows that he is already under scrutiny.
For the Chargers, it was a great start for Jim Harbaugh, but there will be tougher challenges to come. However, for a coach coming back to the NFL from the college level, this was an early scalp to savor.
With the Broncos and the Raiders both unsure of their quarterback position, Harbaugh will be expected to lead Los Angeles into the postseason and finish at least second behind the Chiefs. Perhaps such considerations were weighing on the players as well.
However, worryingly for Raiders fans, this is not MMA or boxing where throwing punches gets you points. In the most important stats of all, they failed to get more than the Chargers and are now 0-1 for the 2024 NFL season.