On Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers fell to 0-2 in the 2024 preseason after a loss to the Los Angeles Rams. QB Easton Stick started for the first half, with his most memorable plays being a fumbled snap at the Rams one-yard line and an interception on a poorly-placed ball. With Rams QB Stetson Bennett also off to a slow start, neither offense was doing the heavy lifting for their team.
The bulk of the scoring was done by Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker (3-3 FG) and Rams kicker Joshua Karty (2-3 FG). However, that changed when Stetson Bennett hit JJ Laap for a 47-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Chargers weren’t able to score a touchdown of their own, and therefore fell 13-9 to their crosstown rivals.
The first positive to note is rookie RB Kimani Vidal. Vidal, who was considered a top-three RB in this year’s draft, ran for 49 yards on an average of 4.5 yards per carry. The rookie had a strong showing, but he was not alone. Another rookie who made their preseason debut for the Chargers is Ladd McConkey, the former Georgia WR. McConkey was only targeted once, but made the catch for a first down. Outside of the stats, Ladd looked clean and comfortable in his movement for someone coming back from injury.
Chargers making NFL debuts
On to the players who did not make their NFL debut in week two, starting with the recently-signed Teair Tart. Dolphins DT went for two tackles and a TFL against the Rams. Helping the run defense look as impressive as it did. Another player who went unnoticed is Joe Alt. The fifth overall pick had another game where he looked like a seasoned vet, aside from one penalty. Alt continues to show why he will be a difference-maker in the Chargers’ pass protection overall offensive line.
On the other hand, some players disappointed the viewers more than they impressed. First off was QB Easton Stick. Stick once again proved why he cannot lead an NFL team to a victory with his blunders in important moments. Aside from Stick, the QB room still does not look good. Luis Perez will likely be the QB2 by week one, but it is certainly a question whether he can give the Bolts a chance to win a game if Justin Herbert cannot play. The Chargers also recently cut QBs Max Duggan and Casey Bauman. Although Perez is likely the backup for Justin Herbert when the season starts, expect Joe Hortiz and the front office to at least make more depth signings at quarterback.
