Lessons from Chargers preseason loss against Saints

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CARSON, CA – AUGUST 18: Troymaine Pope #35 of the Los Angeles Chargers eludes a tackles as runs back a punt for a touchdown during the first half of their pre seaon football game against New Orleans Saints at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 18, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Chargers: Final thoughts

This was a great game for a few defensive guys and a couple wide receivers. With so many key guys not suiting up, it’s difficult to get a feel for how this Chargers team will look come week one. Having said that, it’s great to see guys lower on the depth chart battle for spots and prove their potential. Hopefully, second-round selection Nasir Adderley will be available soon to show what he could potentially bring to the Chargers defense.

Don’t expect much depth chart shifting in the secondary; Michael Davis still has the lead corner spot opposite Casey Hayward locked up, and Rayshawn Jenkins remains the starting free safety. Neither of these position groups did anything outstanding to cause any movement on the depth cart.

The biggest concern has been and will continue to be the offensive line. Poor offensive line play can be the difference in making a deep run in the playoffs. With Okung being out, the only thing that can be done is hope Scott or Pipkins can show sudden improvements. Forrest Lamp continues to get a lot of reps and has shown small flashes, and if he keeps getting a lot of snaps throughout the preseason, Lamp could get his game speed right and turn out to be a solid lineman for the Chargers this upcoming season.

The unfortunate Derwin James news caused a lot of Chargers fans to panic, but the depth and amount of playmakers all over the defensive side of the ball is special. It will be a group effort to make up the unbelievable production that James brings to the Chargers defense, but they have the players to get it done.

With Gordon still holding out, the Chargers will continue to build on their solid committee off Ekeler, Jackson, Newsome and Pope.

Punter Ty Long seems to be winning the battle for the position against Tyler Newsome. He showed great hang time, accuracy, and power. Long could bring great value at the punter position, which is often underappreciated in the NFL.

Next. Chargers winners and losers vs Saints

The excitement from Chargers fans awaiting the regular season can be felt, and despite some of the unfortunate injuries and a holdout, this team is primed and ready to have another great season in 2019. The Chargers will host the Seahawks in their third preseason game on Saturday, August 24th.