As the preseason comes to a close, the Los Angeles Chargers saw significant development across their roster. From the position battles to promising performances from rookies and last chances for aging veterans, here’s a breakdown of the key preseason stats and takeaways.The defense was mainly judged through the eye test.
Quarterback Battle: Max Duggan Shines
One of the major storylines this preseason was the battle for the QB2 spot, and Max Duggan seized the opportunity.
- Max Duggan: 34/44, 574 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT, 5 sacks
Duggan’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Completing 77% of his passes with 574 yards and 5 touchdowns, Duggan demonstrated poise, accuracy, and command of the offense. His ability to protect the football (no interceptions) gave him the edge in the competition, and he emerged as the clear winner of the QB2 battle. However, taking 5 sacks when Darnold and Herbert took a combined 0 on the same amount of combined pass attempts raises some flags about Duggan’s pocket presence. - Sam Darnold: 20/37, 207 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT, 0 sacks
Darnold struggled with consistency and turnovers, throwing 3 interceptions, which ultimately cost him the backup role. While he did contribute 2 touchdowns, his inability to protect the football led to Duggan surpassing him on the depth chart. He was given the entirety of the third preseason game to showcase himself as he did minimal in a week 1 blowout and was injured in week 2 and didn’t make much with it. - Justin Herbert: 3/7, 21 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 0 sacks
Herbert saw very limited action, as the Chargers wisely opted to keep their franchise quarterback healthy for the regular season. Herbert’s stat line reflects his minimal time on the field and doesn’t raise any concerns heading into Week 1.
Rushing Attack: Depth and Power
The Chargers’ rushing attack saw solid performances from several backs competing for a role in the running back committee. With Gus Edwards no longer on the roster, the competition for touches is fierce, and a few players have stood out.
- Le’Veon Moss: 20 carries, 160 yards, 1 TD, 5 broken tackles
Moss, an undrafted rookie, made a strong case to be a part of the running back rotation. Averaging 8 yards per carry and showcasing his ability to break tackles, Moss was both explosive and consistent. His versatility makes him an intriguing option to contribute immediately, maybe even as the lead back. - Damien Martinez: 23 carries, 111 yards, 2 TDs, 6 broken tackles
The fourth-round pick proved to be a bruising power back, especially effective in short-yardage situations, where he scored two touchdowns. His physicality and ability to break tackles suggest he will play a significant role, particularly near the goal line. The Chargers are still hoping he can emerge as the clear best running back, not to give him the bulk of carries, but to be the most reliable. - Kyle Monongai: 24 carries, 83 yards, 1 TD, 3 broken tackles
Monongai delivered a steady performance throughout the preseason. While not as explosive as Moss or Martinez, he displayed good vision and the ability to break tackles. His consistent production gives him a shot at making the final roster, though he might start the season as a depth option or just end up on the practice squad. Having 4 more carries and 77 less yards than Moss is a bit of a red flag. - Kimani Vidal: 6 carries, 32 yards, 0 TDs, 2 broken tackles
Vidal saw limited action but showed solid burst on his 6 carries. His ability to break tackles in a small sample size makes him an intriguing player, though his role may be more limited given the depth ahead of him. - Hassan Haskins: 4 carries, 25 yards, 2 TDs, 2 broken tackles
Haskins made the most of his limited carries, scoring two touchdowns in short-yardage situations. His physical running style and effectiveness in the red zone could earn him a specialized role, though he faces stiff competition for snaps. He was the starter last year, but on the last year of his contract it looks like LA wants to go a different direction, Haskins is doing his best to make that a difficult decision. - Ameer Abdullah: 5 carries, 13 yards, 0 TDs, 0 broken tackles
Abdullah’s preseason didn’t provide the spark expected from a veteran back. While he is reliable, his lack of explosive plays puts his roster spot in jeopardy, especially with younger, more dynamic backs emerging. - Rivaldo Fairweather: 5 carries, 13 yards, 0 TDs, 0 broken tackles
The undrafted fullback out of Auburn was used sparingly in the run game, but his ability as a blocker could be his ticket to making the roster. Fairweather’s versatility, converting from tight end to fullback, provides added value.
Receiving Corps: Standouts and Surprises
The Chargers’ receiving corps saw a variety of players step up, with some rookies and veterans making strong cases for regular-season roles.
- Tyler Warren: 10 catches, 182 yards, 1 TD
The second-round tight end has been one of the stars of the preseason. His size (6’6”) and ability to get open make him a potential game-changer for the Chargers’ offense. Warren is expected to take over the starting role at tight end, and his 182 yards and touchdown in preseason play further solidify his place. - Cornelius Johnson: 7 catches, 152 yards, 2 TDs
Johnson was one of the most explosive receivers during the preseason. With his ability to stretch the field and haul in big plays, Johnson could find himself a deep threat in the Chargers’ passing attack. His two touchdowns came on long, highlight-reel-worthy receptions. - Ashton Dulin: 7 catches, 126 yards, 1 TD
Dulin provided solid production as a reliable target. His ability to make plays downfield and contribute across the middle of the field makes him a valuable depth receiver, and his touchdown further showcased his potential. Unfortunately, with the youth ahead of him performing similarly, he’ll probably have to get a shot elsewhere. - Jalen Reagor: 6 catches, 86 yards, 1 TD
Reagor’s speed and playmaking ability were on full display during the preseason. He has shown flashes of his potential, and his touchdown reception was a reminder of his explosive skill set. Reagor is competing for a meaningful role in the wide receiver rotation. - Derius Davis: 6 catches, 79 yards, 0 TD
Davis had a solid but unspectacular preseason. His quickness and ability to generate yards after the catch were evident, though he failed to find the end zone. His speed makes him a candidate for special teams work as a returner but the Chargers are still hoping he can contribute on offense. - Brenden Rice: 4 catches, 49 yards, 0 TD
The young receiver showed potential with his ability to make contested catches. While not the most dynamic receiver, Rice’s size and hands make him a reliable option in the passing game, especially on intermediate routes. He was surprisingly limited as LA wants to give the son of Jerry Rice the WR3 position. - Maliq Carr: 4 catches, 48 yards, 1 TD
Carr, a physically gifted tight end, made the most of his limited opportunities. His touchdown reception highlighted his ability to contribute in the passing game, and he is expected to serve as TE2 behind Tyler Warren. - Randall Cobb: 2 catches, 25 yards, 0 TD
The veteran wideout saw limited action in the preseason. While Cobb didn’t make a huge impact statistically, his experience and leadership may be valuable to the Chargers’ young receiving corps, particularly as a mentor, especially now that he’s on IR. - Quentin Johnston: 2 catches, 12 yards, 0 TD
Johnston’s quiet preseason is a result of limited playing time. The former first-round pick is still expected to play a major role in the offense and back up his Offensive Player of the Year award from 2024. - Ladd McConkey: 1 catch, 3 yards, 1 TD
McConkey made the most of his lone reception and limited snaps, scoring a short-yardage touchdown. He is the no doubt WR2. - Le’Veon Moss: 2 catches, 10 yards, 0 TD
Moss contributed in the passing game as well, further showcasing his versatility. Though not a primary receiving back, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to his game. - Damien Martinez: 1 catch, 9 yards, 0 TD
Martinez saw limited opportunities in the passing game, but his one catch for 9 yards demonstrated his ability to contribute when needed. - Rivaldo Fairweather: 2 catches, 7 yards, 0 TD
Fairweather’s impact in the receiving game was minimal, but as a converted fullback, his value lies more in his blocking ability and versatility rather than his receiving production. - Kimani Vidal: 1 catch, 5 yards, 0 TD
Vidal had just one reception, but his ability to catch passes out of the backfield could help his case as a depth option or practice squad player. - Hassan Haskins: 1 catch, 0 yards, 0 TD
Haskins saw minimal action in the passing game, and his role seems more likely to be as a power runner in short-yardage situations.
Defense: Flashes of Potential and Areas for Improvement
The Chargers’ defense had a mixed showing during the preseason. While some players impressed, others showed areas needing improvement.
- Kenneth Grant & Bear Alexander: Both rookie defensive tackles displayed their potential with quick first steps and disruptive plays. However, their inexperience showed as they occasionally left gaps in the run defense. Still, their physical gifts make them promising starters on the defensive line.
- Josiah Stewart: Stewart had trouble holding up against the run, often getting overpowered by offensive linemen. His size and strength will need to improve if he hopes to contribute more consistently as a pass rusher.
- Francisco Mauigoa: Mauigoa stood out in pass coverage, looking like a seasoned veteran despite being a rookie. His instincts and awareness in space suggest he could develop into a key piece in the Chargers’ linebacker rotation. 3 interceptions is quite the early accomplishment.
- Trey Moore: Moore was a reliable tackler throughout the preseason. His solid fundamentals and ability to wrap up ball carriers in open space give him a good chance to earn a role on defense and special teams.
- Justin Eboigbe: Eboigbe was a standout player before his unfortunate torn labrum after just 1 quarter in week 1. He was a disruptive force in both the run and pass game, and the Chargers will be eagerly awaiting his return.
- Cornerback Room: The entire cornerback unit looked sharp throughout the preseason. No major breakdowns in coverage were evident, and the depth at the position looks strong heading into the regular season.
- Safety Play: Without Derwin James, the safeties struggled with communication and coverage assignments. The Chargers need to shore up this position group to avoid any vulnerabilities when James isn’t on the field. The competition between Jimmie Ward and Rudy Ford for depth roles will be a critical decision.
