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The Chargers’ first preseason recreation is formally within the books, as they fell to the Rams on Saturday evening.
Whereas most starters sat, this contest was concerning the gamers vying for a number of the beginning spots open and a spot on the 53-man roster.
There was loads to remove from So-Fi Stadium, and with that, let’s dive into some issues that stood out from the Bolts’ 29-22 loss to the Rams.
Chris Rumph exhibits progress
AP Picture/Mark J. Terrill
One of many storylines of the summer time was Rumph including weight and energy after having a really lean physique final season. The time within the weight room and within the kitchen confirmed up on the taking part in discipline. On prime of his athleticism, there was extra energy in Rumph’s move rushes and when taking up blockers towards the run. He completed with 4 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and a quarterback hit. He’s trying like a dependable rotational edge defender behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack this season.
Some promise alongside the inside a part of the line of defense
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities
Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson didn’t play, however the guys combating for spots on the again finish of the depth chart noticed the sphere loads. There have been three particularly that stood out: Morgan Fox, Breiden Fehoko, and Christian Covington. Fox, who was acquired to present the Chargers’ a lift within the move rush division, confirmed some juice to use stress on just a few reps. In the meantime, Fehoko and Covington, who have been the crew’s most constant run defenders a season in the past, every made just a few optimistic performs on this division.
Jerry Tillery didn’t assist himself
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities
After the copious offseason additions on the defensive sort out place, Tillery is now combating for a spot on the 53-man roster. Nonetheless, Tillery didn’t do something to assist his case on Saturday evening. A legal responsibility towards the run, he was constantly pushed again off the road of scrimmage, which was a problem final season. Even when dashing the passer, Tillery was unable to generate any kind of stress. Not an amazing evening for the previous first-rounder.
Heated battle within the backfield
AP Picture/John McCoy
Coming into the sport, there was little to gauge who had the higher hand to be Austin Ekeler’s working mate. Nevertheless it lastly began to unfold. Joshua Kelley and rookie Isaiah Spiller each had strong performances. Kelley seemed extra explosive and highly effective carrying the soccer. He had three rushes for 16 yards (5.3 yards per carry). As well as, he was comfy catching the soccer out of the backfield, amassing three catches for 28 yards. Alternatively, Spiller was simply as marketed: bodily, affected person, and decisive as a runner and a significant contributor within the passing recreation, each as a receiver and blocker. He completed with 44 yards on 11 touches.
Two receivers elevate eyebrows
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities
One of many final extensive receiver spots is a place battle that has gotten little or no consideration. Michael Bandy and Joe Reed made robust instances to snag it. Bandy, who was constantly open within the quick to intermediate components of the sphere, led all receivers with seven catches for 73 yards and a landing. In the meantime, Reed was a menace within the deeper areas, ending with 4 receptions for 61 yards and a rating.
Rising pains
AP Picture/Mark J. Terrill
Among the many few gamers who’ve seemed good at coaching camp has been Deane Leonard, who has been praised for his protection skill. Nonetheless, Leonard was the first wrongdoer for the Chargers’ uneven play within the secondary. Regardless of staying on receiver’s hips and being in good place alongside the boundary, Leonard struggled to get his head round typically, together with the Rams’ first passing landing. Leonard was additionally known as for move interference and allowed a two-point conversion so as to add to his tough efficiency.
Have your self an evening, Easton Stick
AP Picture/Ashley Landis
Whereas Justin Herbert sits, Chase Daniel and Easton Stick shall be beneath heart the complete preseason. Within the first half, it was all Daniel, who had a so-so exhibiting. Whereas he threw two touchdowns, a superb chunk of his passes have been off the mark and late. And Stick, the preseason fan favourite, placed on top-of-the-line performances in a Chargers uniform. His athleticism was on show as he carried the soccer twice, together with one for a landing. However what stood out was his enchancment as a passer. Despite the fact that he didn’t air it out, Stick received the ball off shortly and was very correct together with his throws.
Issues that have to be improved
Preseason is primarily about participant analysis, however fundamentals of the sport are nonetheless essential since a few of these gamers shall be making the roster. For the Chargers, there have been far too many pricey errors, as they dedicated 9 penalties that resulted in a whopping 120 yards. Moreover, missed tackles within the again finish of the protection have been a problem, together with one from JT Woods on the Rams’ first passing landing.
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