The Los Angeles Chargers got off to a roaring start against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night en route to a 20-9 victory that put the team at 2-0.
On the game's first play, Geno Smith dropped back and threw a pass intended for Tre Tucker. But after being deflected by safety Alohi Gilman, it ended up in the arms of linebacker Daiyan Henley. It was a huge start for the Chargers, particularly since it was questionable as to whether or not Henley would even play after battling an illness all day.
This was after it was determined the team would be without its other starting linebacker, Denzel Perryman, as well as safety Elijah Molden. Someone would need to step up on defense, and Henley did just that. Late in the game, Henley sacked Smith, prompting head coach Jim Harbaugh to compare him to Michael Jordan.
Jim Harbaugh to Daiyan Henley: “That’s your Michael Jordan game right there baby.” pic.twitter.com/3dwiZoct60
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 16, 2025
While Jordan's "flu game" came during the NBA Finals and is one of the most unforgettable performances in the history of American sports, Henley will take this. It also led to him being called the game's biggest winner by Bleacher Report.
"Multiple defenders made big plays for the Chargers on Monday night, including Derwin James, Tony Jefferson and Tarheeb Still. However, Daiyan Henley was probably the biggest winner because he both set the tone and helped close out the game.
Henley picked off Geno Smith on the very first play from scrimmage. Late in the fourth quarter, he recorded a fourth-down sack. After an Omarion Hampton fumble gave Las Vegas one last gasp, Henley had a late pressure that helped force a fourth-down incompletion.
The 2023 third-round pick added seven solo stops and 10 total tackles, marking his second big game to open the season. Henley emerged as a full-time starter in 2024. He now appears poised to be a bona fide star before becoming extension-eligible in the offseason", wrote B/R.
After a quiet rookie season in 2023, Henley made a splash on the field last season and looks ready for a breakout campaign this year. Through two games, he has been the best player on the team's defense and that could easily continue through the remainder of the season.
Daiyan Henley said he woke up today with a 101 degree fever, had chills throughout the game and was crying in the second quarter because of how badly he felt.
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 16, 2025
"Coach Minter caught me crying, so I'm a little embarrassed about that.”
pic.twitter.com/TdYQsNwohK
Chargers fans have known about Henley and have been excited about his progression. But now that he will likely start to be recognized on a bigger level with a chance to become one of the game's best inside linebackers, this will be the game people point to when referencing the start of his rise.
READ: Where do the Chargers sit in power rankings following 2-0 start?
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