Chargers studs, duds from Week 2 of preseason

The San Diego Chargers were able to hold the Arizona Cardinals to a field goal in their recent preseason meeting, defeating them 19-3. The Chargers did this despite not having the services of Philip Rivers and several other starters.

As a result, some of the second and third stringers on the roster were given their chance to shine in front of those making the final decisions regarding who will make the 53-man roster.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at which players grabbed that opportunity by the throat, and which ones showed us that they’re probably going to be on the list of roster cuts.

STUDS

Brandon Flowers: Talk about the perfect play at the perfect time, Brandon Flowers came up with one of the best plays we’ve seen all preseason when he came in on a blitz and intercepted a pass from Carson Palmer before heading the other way for a touchdown.

Brandon Flowers sprints in off edge, intercepts pass. 25-yard TD. Give him credit: Last year unacceptable. He knew it. In better shape now.

— Michael Gehlken (@sdutGehlken) August 20, 2016

Man, did Flowers need that. Particularly after the season he had last year. Perhaps all of the talk about him having a bounce-back season will come to fruition.

Jahleel Addae: There may be some fans out there questioning if Jahleel Addae and Dwight Lowery are the best the team could have done in forming a combination at the safety position following the departure of Eric Weddle.

Addae made a big play on Friday night, intercepting a pass thrown by Drew Stanton and taking it back 61 yards, inside the Arizona 10-yard line.

Dom Williams: Dom Williams caught four passes for 55 yards in the game, giving him six receptions for 81 yards during the preseason.

There is an opportunity at wide receiver on this team, and to this point, Williams is making the most of the limited opportunities he’s been given.

Tyrell Williams: This kid looks great. In fact, he might be good enough to be the team’s No. 3 wide receiver. He caught four passes for 47 yards has had a great camp to this point. Don’t be surprised to see him getting several snaps on opening day.

Drew Kaser has three punts today. All were over 50 yards, including two backing Arizona up inside their 10.

— Ricky Henne (@ChargersRHenne) August 20, 2016

Drew Kaser: No wonder why the Chargers drafted this guy and let go of veteran Mike Scifres this offseason. He looks excellent. On four punts against Arizona, Kaser averaged 45.8 yards per kick and placed two of them inside the 10-yard line.

Josh Lambo: We can’t forget the kicker, who was responsible for 63 percent of the team’s points in this game. Lambo made all four of his field goal attempts, including one from 50 yards.

Lambo should be considered among the best placekickers in the league by the end of this season.

DUDS

Zach Mettenberger: How do you not even take a snap in the second game of the preseason? And if you’re not going to, why has the organization even keeping you around?

After going 2-for-8 against the Titans in the preseason opener, Zach Mettenberger was not even used against Arizona, despite suiting up. Instead, the Chargers gave undrafted rookie Mike Bercovici some extra snaps.

Dreamius Smith: Reserve running back Dreamius Smith was given more carries than any player for the Chargers against Arizona, eight, and gained just 13 yards on the ground, a measly 1.5 yards per carry.

Smith won’t make the roster, but no one thought he was going to anyway, right?