https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2022/01/06/chargers-raiders-key-players-justin-herbert-austin-ekeler/

Gavino Borquez
January 6, 2022 1:38 pm PT

A crucial game for the Chargers’ playoff hopes is set to go down in
prime time, as they will take on the Raiders, who are also in a
win-and-you’re-in situation.

Which players will be key for Los Angeles to come away with a victory in
Week 18?

QB Justin Herbert

This is arguably the biggest game of Herbert’s young career. We’ve seen
him lead the Chargers to multiple fourth-quarter comebacks, write his
name in the history books week after week. But matters the most, when we
look back on his career, is far he can guide his team in each of his
seasons. The sophomore signal-caller shines the brightest under the
lights, as he has 1,418 passing yards, 14 touchdown passes to two
interceptions and a completion percentage of 65 in five primetime games.
Against the Raiders, he has 867 passing yards, seven touchdown passes
and a completion percentage of 67.

OT Storm Norton or Trey Pipkins

It remains to be seen who will get the start at right tackle. Norton
missed last weekend’s game against the Broncos. In place of him was
Pipkins, who played very well, allowing zero pressures. Regardless of
who starts, they will need to be on their A-game against the premier
pass rusher, Maxx Crosby. The last time these two teams met, Crosby
played a large part for the Raiders front that generated pressure on
more than 30 percent of Herbert’s dropbacks.

RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler had his most productive game against the Raiders in Week 4,
finishing with 145 yards from scrimmage, 117 rushing yards (career-high)
on 15 carries (7.8 yards per carry), and two touchdowns. Furthermore,
the Chargers have averaged 134 yards on the ground over their last four
games. It’s imperative that he replicates a similar performance against
a Las Vegas team that has stepped it up against elite rushing teams in
prior weeks, like the Browns and Colts.

S Derwin James

The Raiders will get an integral piece on the offensive side of the ball
back in Darren Waller, who missed the past five games with injuries and
COVID-19. Waller posted four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown
when the two teams met earlier in the season. But James also had an
interception late in the fourth quarter to close out the Chargers’ win.
Not only will the coverage skills of James be crucial in limiting
Waller, but his versatility will be vital in slowing Joshua Jacobs on
the ground and generating quarterback pressure.

CB Asante Samuel Jr.

The Raiders’ top target, who recently topped the 1,000-yard mark (1,025)
and is one reception shy of 100, will draw plenty of attention, and the
rookie cornerback will likely be tasked with covering him, with the
exception on third downs where Renfrow will need to be bracket covered.
In their first meeting, Renfrow caught six of his eight targets for 45
yards and a score. Since returning after his suffering second concussion
of the season that came back in Week 11, Samuel has been up-and-down the
past two games.

EDGE Joey Bosa

The Chargers held Derek Carr to under 200 passing yards in their first
meeting with the Raiders. One of the factors to Carr’s down performance
was the copious amount of pressure he was under. He was sacked four
times and it was Bosa who consistently lived in the backfield, finishing
with seven pressures, five hurries, and a sack. Bosa’s presence will be
critical in ensuring Carr has little time to throw, especially on third
down, and stopping Jacobs.