5 things that stood out in the Chargers' preseason win over the Saints
While the record is meaningless during this time of the year, there were still a few things to take away from this game regarding the evaluation process.
Here is what stood out from Los Angeles' 27-13 win over New Orleans.
Trey Lance is taking the lead
Trey Lance made a strong impression in the Hall of Fame Game against the Lions, where he popped as a passer. Lance, who relieved Taylor Heinicke, wasn't as sharp in that department on Sunday, but he did make his mark with his mobility. He led the team in rushing with 48 yards on seven carries, which included a five-yard touchdown.
'He was a good presence and poised and in control,' Jim Harbaugh said about Lance. 'You make the right decisions. That's really what it comes down to. Not everybody can do it.'
After Heinicke's struggles and another stock-raising performance, Lance is making his case to be Justin Herbert's primary backup.
Eric Rogers excels
Last week against Detroit, it was Nikko Reed who was the standout performer among the cornerbacks. While Reed was sidelined and not suited up, Rogers took the spotlight this week. The undrafted rookie out of Rutgers recorded two interceptions, one of which was returned for a 43-yard touchdown in the third quarter that extended the Chargers' lead to 17-3. He also had a pass deflection in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, Rogers injured his ankle on the kickoff coverage unit. He was seen on crutches in the locker room after the game.
Roster spot secured?
Heading into the summer, I thought the Chargers would only roster four edge rushers, with those being Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, and fourth-round pick Kyle Kennard. But now, they are in a position where it might be five players rostered, and the fourth spot could end up going to Caleb Murphy. Murphy followed up a standout performance against the Lions with another dominant showing. He notched two sacks, including a strip-sack that set up the Bolts' first points of the game. Along with his defensive efforts, Murphy has been a core special teamer, working with the first-team coverage units. He's had a special teams tackle in both preseason games.
Raheim Sanders emerges
The Chargers' running back battle behind Omarion Hampton is heating up. With Najee Harris' availability uncertain due to his eye injury, they will need to figure out who will be Hampton's running mate if Harris is unable to start the season. After missing most of the practices and the Hall of Fame Game with an injury, Raheim "Rocket" Sanders made his presence known, leading all running backs with 42 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, while adding a catch for 11 yards.
Questions on offense
The Chargers picked up the win, but it was largely due to the defensive efforts, while the offense was disjointed, especially early on in the game. Heinicke only completed one of his five passes for eight yards. Lance was 50% on his passes. With the passing game taking a backseat, it didn't offer much from an evaluation standpoint for the receivers. The interior part of the offensive line also struggled, particularly in picking up stunts.
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