The Chargers faced the Saints on Sunday and finished the game with their first pr-season loss, 22-17.
Here are some areas where Los Angeles can improve for the preseason finale this Friday against the 49ers:
Quarterback play
Easton Stick struggled heavily in Sunday night’s game, throwing inaccurate passes and interceptions all night. Stick also took sacks and folded under pressure as the game went on. The Chargers left Stick in the driver’s seat for the whole game instead of swapping him out for Max Duggan. This was most likely a test to see just how well the game could go if they played a single backup – and it didn’t go well. Stick threw for 233 yards, zero touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Only 21 of 41 attempts were complete, meaning Stick was only able to throw a completed pass 51% of the time. After this performance, it will be worth watching to see if Duggan will play the next game. If not, Stick will have to step it up, remain calm under pressure, and replicate a performance like in the preseason opener against the Rams.
Offensive Line
The offensive line crumbled around Stick all night, which didn’t help him navigate his shortcomings this game. Offensive tackles Foster Sorell and Austen Pleasants were the main culprits. When it comes to backup tackles on the Chargers, neither player is looking like a good option. Los Angeles will have to keep experimenting with offensive line depth in the next game if they give whoever is under center a chance at success.
Drops
The receiving targets struggled with drops all night, two of which came from last week’s star running back Elijah Dotson. Both drops were on the same drive and caused a massive loss of momentum on offense. This eventually led to Stick forcing a bad pass for an interception, which sealed the loss for the Bolts that night.
Tight end Donald Parham also dealt with drops, allowing Stone Smartt to make a great case for staying on the roster. Parham has had an uneven training camp and preseason, so he will have to step it up next game, or he will be in the hot seat come regular season.
