Chargers preseason: Winners and losers from Saints game
Chargers winner: Jaylen Watkins
Watkins really stepped up this game. He was really disruptive in the passing game, getting an interception close to the goal line and defending another pass.
This was Watkins’ first game appearance since he tore his ACL on August 19th of 2018, almost a year to the date. Making it all the way back from injury and appearing in any capacity makes Watkins a winner for that alone.
The emergence of Watkins comes at a pretty important time for the Bolts, considering the news that Derwin James will be out for potentially 3 months with a stress fracture. The Chargers need all the help they can behind Adrian Phillips and Nasir Adderley, and Watkins is looking like he may be able to step into that role.
Chargers loser: Tyler Newsome
Newsome came into this week on a little less than even footing with Ty Long, and this week may have extended the gap between the two. While Newsome wasn’t really bad by any means, Long just did a better job at pinning the Saints deep, with two of his three punts landing inside the 20. Punter is a position where teams only carry one, and at this point, it’s unlikely Newsome has any chance at earning a spot. At this point, he may be auditioning for other punting jobs.
Which Chargers move up or down the depth chart after loss to Saints?. Next
Despite the team looking sluggish in the second half, there was good and bad to take away from the Saints game. The offensive line looked the most troubling while Pope looked the most promising. Next up is a dress rehearsal and some more scrutiny on the position battles, so roster spots are going to really be decided when the Chargers take on the Seattle Seahawks.