The preseason is meant to evaluate players, and for a handful of them, this past week marked their first time playing in an NFL game. This included the Chargers’ draft picks in their loss to the Seahawks on Saturday.
Los Angeles was headlined by first-round pick offensive tackle Joe Alt, who had a solid performance. Alt played 21 snaps and only allowed one quarterback pressure. He showed good finesse in pass protection and power and movement skills in the run game to clear some lanes.
“It felt great,” Alt said, per the team’s official website. “It’s always good to get your first live play under your belt with the group you have the most experience with. It was good to be out there will all of them.”
Nice debut from Alt in Week 1 of preseason, showing excellent body control in the run game + handling speed off of the edge well. A little late with his hands against speed to power on clip 3, but handling those situations is a learning process for most young OTs. pic.twitter.com/JD3FVt3ITS
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 11, 2024
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey and linebacker Junior Colson did not play as they’ve been working through some injuries.
Defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe played 30 snaps. Eboigbe didn’t have much of an impact, logging just one assisted tackle. The rookie out of Alabama has flashed at training camp, however, especially against the run.
Cornerback Tarheeb Still, who has been a summer standout, continued to make his case for the starting nickel spot. Still posted two pass breakups. But along with his cover skills, he flashed as a blitzer.
CB Cam Hart did not play.
Running back Kimani Vidal was in uniform for warmups, but was not suited up for the game.
Wide receiver Brenden Rice played the second-most snaps. He was targeted three times but failed to record a reception. A large part of that was due to inefficient quarterback play. There were many instances of Rice running great routes and being open. He had an aDOT (average depth of target) of 15.3.
WR Cornelius Johnson was on the field for just eight snaps.
