The Chargers fell to the Rams in the second of three preseason games on Saturday.
Here’s our recap of the Bolts’ 13-9 loss.
It was over when…
The Chargers failed to capitalize on two offensive possessions after the Rams scored their only touchdown to take the lead in the fourth quarter.
3 stars of the game
- RB Kimani Vidal: After missing the preseason opener, Vidal made his debut and showed why he deserves a roster spot. He finished with 49 yards on 11 carries (4.5 yards per rush) and two catches.
- WR Simi Fehoko: Fehoko led all receivers with 52 yards on two catches. But aside from his work as a pass-catcher, he made a big tackle on kickoff coverage and showed great effort as a blocker on offense.
- CB Deane Leonard: The defense continued to make plays, and Leonard led the way, finishing with two passes defended and an interception.
Quick hits
- For the second straight game, the Chargers did not find the end zone. They were 0-3 in the red zone.
- The offense turned the ball over three times, including a lost fumble at the Rams’ one-yard line.
- Quentin Johnston finished the game with one catch for 19 yards. But he still showed some encouraging things. In the first quarter, he ran a double move to draw an illegal contact penalty. He was open down the field, but Easton Stick overthrew him. In the third quarter, he made an eye-popping catch near the sideline, but he came up out of bounds.
- The defense was consistently around the football, breaking up seven passes.
- However, the unit struggled to generate pressure throughout most of the game, only recording one sack and a quarterback hit.
- The linebacker room was a bright spot. NaVorro Bowman’s group has made a handful of plays these past couple of games.
- Cameron Dicker’s dominance continued as he made all three of his field goal attempts, including one from 55 yards out.
What’s next?
The Chargers close out the preseason next Saturday, Aug. 24, at 1:05 p.m. PT, when they will face the Cowboys at SoFi Stadium.
