Los Angeles Chargers: Reactions to Preseason Week 1 vs. Cardinals

The Los Angeles Chargers opened the 2018 NFL Preseason against the Arizona Cardinals. Going deep on how the Bolts fared in the exhibition opener.

The Los Angeles Chargers didn’t get the win they hoped for as they opened the 2018 preseason against the Arizona Cardinals, but there were certainly more positives than negatives to take away from this game.

Many second and third string players stepped up in a big way, but others appear to be headed down the depth chart after a rough first outing.

Let’s take a look at how the team fared all across the roster.

Standouts

New seasons provide opportunities for new faces to emerge, and a number of Chargers made a strong impression on the coaching staff. Michael Davis, a cornerback the team has been high on for a year, had a number of pass breakups and looks to take a hold of the CB4 spot made available by Jason Verrett’s injury.

Uchenna Nwosu looks like the real deal, having his name called at least half a dozen times as both a pass rusher and tackler. He hustles and does multiple things well, something that mirrors Joey Bosa and could be a great complement to the defense. I would love to see what he could do against legitimate starting talent.

Austin Ekeler was a preseason hero last season, and picked up right where he left off with 64 total yards on limited snaps. He’s an X-factor on offense, and could break 1,000 total yards this season as a strong complementary RB2 to Melvin Gordon.

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I also have to hand it to the combination of Geremy Davis and Artavis Scott for producing a combined eight catches for 120 yards and a touchdown. Davis appears to be the better receiver, but I believe Scott showed enough in the return game and rushing attack that complements his catching ability to possibly warrant a spot over him. This is a good battle to keep an eye on.

Low-lights

Cardale Jones did two things poorly, and one thing well. He had trouble throwing accurate balls on easy throws and struggled with getting the snap off on time on multiple occasions. Jones made some great plays with his legs, but that’s not going to cut it with this offense. I don’t think head coach Anthony Lynn would want his team to go from pocket-passer Philip Rivers to run-and-gun Jones. Geno Smith played better on Saturday night.

Caleb Sturgis made his first field goal, but missed way off to the left on his second attempt. It wouldn’t matter to most any other fans, but those that support the Chargers can’t stomach any more misses. The snap and hold were perfect, and Sturgis missed it by a mile.

The defense is clearly weaker without Bosa, Casey Hayward and Trevor Williams, but the interior defensive line still appears to be an issue for the Bolts. The Chargers gave up two back-to-back runs of 14 yards en route to the Cardinals’ first touchdown of the game.

Finally, Trent Scott (No. 68) and Sam Tevi had themselves a rough night playing tackle. They seemed to be responsible for every sack or busted play when working with Smith at quarterback. The 42-yard scramble by Smith was brought back by a Scott holding call. Tough break for them, but they were easily the worst players on the roster for this game. Tevi injured his leg late in the fourth quarter (though the announcer originally believed it was Scott).

Positional battles (After Preseason Week 1)

1. Geno Smith vs. Cardale Jones for QB2. Edge: Smith. Less mistakes.
2. Artavis Scott vs. Geremy Davis for WR5 (Dylan Cantrell did not play). Edge: Scott (can return kicks, rushes the ball as well).
3. Caleb Sturgis vs. Roberto Aguayo for starting kicker. Edge: Probably still Sturgis, but not for much longer if he continues to miss big.
4. Detrez Newsome vs. Russell Hansbrough for RB3 (Justin Jackson did not play). Edge: Newsome, for not fumbling.

Little tidbits:

• Desmond King is still the man. He sticks to his receiver like glue, and doesn’t give them any separation. He’s one of the brightest young talents on the roster.
• Derwin James wasn’t a standout, but he didn’t appear to make any awful mistakes either. He tackles with authority.
• Second-team defense played much more loose and energetic, and had many more opportunities to blitz.
• Mike Pouncey can move very well at center, and sprung Gordon loose for a big gain in an early series.
• Smith can take the second-string quarterback job simply by not making mistakes. If he can be a game-manager (what Jones is struggling with), he’s got the gig.
• Tight end Sean Culkin could make this roster if Gates doesn’t sign. Some good catches there.
• Safety Rayshawn Jenkins got some first-team reps on defense and didn’t disappoint. Coaches may be high on him, but I don’t expect him to hold off first-round selection James for long.
• Chris Landrum had a solo sack, and could fill Chris McCain’s role. The team is high on him.
• Chargers need to cut down on penalties and turnovers. It was ugly at times.

Final thoughts

I love what I’m seeing from new faces that have been given meaningful snaps in both training camp and this game. Guys like Davis and Nwosu are showing legit potential, which is fantastic for the overall balance across the roster. Depth may be a huge key to this season, and for once, I’m confident in the backups and rotations the Bolts can provide.

There are some tight battles on the roster as well, and this action did push favor in the direction of some players. I expect many of the standouts on defense to push for more starting time, and look for Bradley to shake some things up on the depth chart to see how some of the newer faces fare.