Justin Herbert controls game in Chargers' win over Raiders

LAS VEGAS -- Much of the focus going into the Los Angeles Chargers' 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night was on the matchup between the two head coaches -- Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll. Two coaching giants with a two-decade-old rivalry renewed on "Monday Night Football."

The game reflected two teams that embody their coach's mindsets -- physical offensive and defensive lines, big hits, and two physical first-round running backs. Ultimately, Harbaugh's Chargers dominated this game essentially from start to finish -- with an effective passing attack and stingy defense that didn't allow a touchdown and forced Raiders quarterback Geno Smith to throw three interceptions.

The Chargers begin season 2-0 for the second straight season and the third time since 2012, and they hold sole possession of first place in the AFC West.

Here are the most important things to know from Monday night for both teams:

Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)

QB performance: The Chargers got off to a slow start Monday night, but quarterback Justin Herbert quickly settled in, picking apart the Raiders' defense for 242 passing yards, two touchdowns and 31 rushing yards. In year two with offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Herbert looks as comfortable as he has in his career, both throwing and rushing the ball, a good sign for the ceiling of this Chargers team.

Trend to watch: Roman appears to be moving away from running the ball. The Chargers didn't attempt a rush until 4:52 left in the first quarter on Monday night. They finished the game with a total of 54 designed rushes. But Roman isn't shifting away from the run for no reason. The Chargers' line has struggled to create lanes for their running backs, while L.A. has had great pass protection and success through the air. This offense could look very different from how Harbaugh-Roman teams have historically looked.

Stat to know: Quentin Johnston is the first Chargers player with three receiving touchdowns in the team's first two games of a season since tight end Antonio Gates in 2014. Johnston, who has struggled since the Chargers selected him in the first round two seasons ago, is having an electric start to this season with 150 yards and three touchdowns through the first two games. -- Kris Rhim

Next game: vs. Denver Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, Sunday)

Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)

It's clear that Smith can make any throw on the field. However, his confidence in his arm can be a gift and a curse.

Smith has three interceptions on Monday and they all happened when he tried to throw the ball into double coverage -- including on the first play of the game. He ultimately hurt his team's chances at a comeback when he attempted to throw a touchdown pass to Jakobi Meyers with 5:58 to go in the fourth quarter, but the ball was tipped and picked off by cornerback Donte Jackson.

Turning point: The Raiders were fairly solid for the first half until the final two minutes. Herbert found Johnston wide open down the field before completing a 60-yard touchdown to give Los Angeles a 20-6 lead before halftime.