The Chargers are simply not having a good time on Thursday Night Football.
Al Michaels seems to be making the most of the blowout, as the legendary broadcaster watched Los Angeles fall behind the Raiders 42–0 in the first half.
“If this were Pop Warner, they’d stop the game, right?” Michaels asked analyst Kirk Herbstreit shortly after Las Vegas took a 42-point lead.
"If this were Pop Warner, they'd stop the game, right?" -- Al Michaels #TNF pic.twitter.com/h1JwQQ2A8z
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 15, 2023
The two broadcasters also watched as the Chargers’ defense allowed running back Brandon Bolden to easily score on a 26-yard touchdown run for a 35–0 lead.
“The Chargers ... not great effort on that play, especially with the tackling,” Herbstreit said. "They look defeated here already with 3:50 to go in the first half.”
"The Chargers... not great effort on that play especially with the tackling. They look defeated here already with 3:50 to go in the first half."- Kirk Herbstreit #TNF pic.twitter.com/eINvJrDekr
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 15, 2023
Los Angeles fumbled the ball four times in the first half, turning the ball over three times.
“Just a disaster for the Chargers,” Herbstreit said.
“Complete nightmare for the Chargers,” Michaels added.
"Just a disaster for the Chargers."- Kirk Herbstreit
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 15, 2023
"Complete NIGHTMARE for the Chargers."- Al Michaels
The Raiders followed up the fumble recovery with a touchdown to take a 28-0 lead. #TNF pic.twitter.com/ZalyIMJSjv
The Raiders also received the kickoff to open the second half and marched down the field to score their seventh touchdown of the night for a 49–0 lead. The Chargers finally got on the board on the first play of the next drive with a 79-yard touchdown pass from Easton Stick to Josh Palmer.