The Los Angeles Chargers didn’t just leave Las Vegas with a win on Monday night. They left with proof that their quarterback’s trust in his top target is more than justified. Behind a steady performance from Keenan Allen and a sharp outing by Justin Herbert, the Chargers topped the Raiders 20-9, moving to 2-0 in the 2025 NFL season. And the star wide receiver Keenan Allen once again looked like the steady heartbeat of the passing attack. He stole the show, no doubt.
And reacting to Allen’s stellar performance, the Chargers QB Justin Herbert did not shy away from praising Allen. His latest remarks stood out. Days before kickoff, the Pro Bowl quarterback doubled down on just how important Allen has been to his career. “I don’t think there’s anyone better,” Herbert said. “He’s made my job so much easier.” Those aren’t throwaway comments. Herbert’s words are the kind of statement that puts pressure on a receiver to deliver. And, as usual, Allen lived up to the words.
Keenan Allen Strikes First, Proves Herbert Right
In the 2025 Week 2 matchup of the Chargers, Allen couldn’t catch a break. Precise route, quick separation, and soft hands in traffic, he was fabulous. It was also his second straight game with a touchdown. With this consistent performance, he signified that even in his age-33 season, the veteran hasn’t lost a step when it comes to execution.
Allen finished the night with seven catches on ten targets for 68 yards and the score. They are not ‘so-called’ gaudy numbers by modern standards, but it was a crucial and steady production that kept drives alive and the Las Vegas Raiders’ defenses guessing.
According to Rotowire, Allen “continued to be Mr. Reliable for Justin Herbert,” a label he seems to embrace each week. Of course, he wasn’t the only Charger making plays. Second-year receiver Quentin Johnston broke the game open in the second quarter with a stunning 60-yard touchdown reception.
Herbert, meanwhile, turned in a clean and confident outing with 242 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 31 rushing yards with nine rushing attempts. More importantly, he leaned on Allen when the Raiders’ pass rush closed in, trusting his veteran wideout to deliver in tight coverage.
Why does Herbert’s Praise Hold Weight?
This wasn’t just a good night for Keenan Allen and Herbert, it was part of a long, familiar story. Per StatMuse, Allen has now racked up 111 receptions for 1,239 yards and eight touchdowns in 19 career games against the Raiders. The numbers don’t lie: whenever Los Angeles faces Las Vegas, Allen usually eats the defenders to a large extent.
And that’s why Herbert’s pre-game comments resonate. Sure, Quentin Johnston brings flash, and rookie weapons may soon command headlines. But Allen’s strong production under pressure gave him a different kind of value and allowed the QB to rely on him in the next game. For defensive coordinators of the Raiders, it was a nightmare dilemma. Focus on Allen’s short and intermediate routes, and you risk Herbert burning you deep with Johnston. Leave Allen in single coverage, and he’ll punish you with first downs and red zone scores.
Even the Chargers’ defense took a page from Allen’s consistency Monday night. While Geno Smith and the Raiders’ offense sputtered to the tune of three interceptions and zero touchdowns, the Chargers kept things balanced and patient.
But the Bolts Need to Focus on the Next Game Now?
The Chargers are now 2-0, and while it’s far too early to talk playoffs, this team has shown two important traits. One: Herbert is as steady as ever. And second: Keenan Allen is still his most trusted weapon. For a quarterback who prides himself on spreading the ball around, the fact that Allen consistently leads in targets and touches speaks volumes. Allen may not rack up 150-yard explosions every week, but that’s not his role.
His role is to give Herbert a safety net, a chain mover, and a touchdown threat inside the 20. And if Week 2 was any indication, Herbert’s bold claim that “there’s no one better” may be less about friendship and more about football reality. For now, Chargers fans can enjoy watching one of the NFL’s most underrated duos keep doing what they do best: quietly shredding defenses, one first down at a time.
