Bolts From The Blue
For the second consecutive preseason game, the youngsters on the Chargers defense came to play.
Undrafted free agent cornerback Eric Rogers registered his first and second professional interceptions, the first of which he returned for an electric pick-six. Edge rusher Caleb Murphy also notched a pair of sacks and may as well have punched his ticket to the final roster this year as the team’s fifth pass rusher.
Overall it was another strong defensive effort that helped the Chargers hold New Orleans to just 13 points in their 27-10 decision on Sunday afternoon.
Veteran Taylor Heinicke started the game for the Chargers but struggled mightily as he complete 1-of-5 passes for only eight yards before Trey Lance took over. The former third-overall pick finished 7-of-14 for 55 yards, but also chipped in 48 rushing yards and a score on seven carries. As a team, the Bolts rushed for 148 yards on 34 carries (4.4 average) and two scores, the second coming from UDFA Raheim “Rocket” Sanders who took 10 carries for 42 yards on the day.
On a cold outing for the receivers, it was Dalevon Campbell who was the beneficiary of DJ Uiagalelei’s only passes attempt of the game which went for 49 yards in the air. Campbell finished with three receptions for 62 yards, including a two-point try conversion from Lance.
Other standouts on defense were linebacker Marlowe Wax and third-round rookie defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell. Wax had nine tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack while Caldwell also found the quarterback to go with four tackles.
The Chargers are back at home — but as the away team — as they face the Rams in their third preseason matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT.
First Quarter
The Chargers won the toss and elected to receive. The offense, led by Taylor Heinicke, was up first.
Nyheim Miller-Hines brought the opening kickoff back 33 yards to give the Bolts good starting field position. Both Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins received carries, each running strong behind their pads. After crossing the midway point of the field, rookie wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith dropped a pass over the middle on third down to force a Chargers punt.
The Bolts defense looked uninspired early, but they hunkered down once the Saints got to midfield and forced a New Orleans punt. However, veteran Nyheim Miller-Hines muffed the punt and the Saints recovered at the Los Angeles 12-yard line.
Once again, the defense stood tall when the team needed it, forcing a stop on fourth down thanks to the effort of linebacker Troy Dye who earned a tackle for loss on running back Kendre Miller. The Chargers offense would take over at their own four-yard line.
Near the end of the quarter, the pass protection broke down and Heinicke looked to be sacked in the end zone for a safety. After a review, however, the call was overturned. After a short pass to Haskins on third down, the Bolts punted yet again.
**Second...
