In a turn of events that were impossible to predict, Trey Lance has emerged as the rightful winner of the LA Chargers' backup quarterback battle. The Bolts are yet to make the decision official, but it's beyond obvious which direction the team should go.
Taylor Heinicke entered training camp as the favorite to win the QB2 job but that has only degraded with time. Lance impressed in camp, got more reps with the first-team offense, and parlayed that into a strong performance in the Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions.
Both Heinicke and Lance struggled against the New Orleans Saints, so there was not much to take away. However, after Saturday's preseason game against the LA Rams, it's clearly Lance's job to lose.
Trey Lance has already beaten Taylor Heinicke for the Chargers' backup quarterback job
The Chargers will ride this roster battle out the rest of the preseason, as they should. Los Angeles needs to take advantage of every bit of information the team can get, so don't expect any decisions to be made until after the team takes on the San Francisco 49ers next week.
That being said, it would take a true miracle for Heinicke to turn the tide in his favor. Lance has been so superior to Heinicke in the preseason and looks far more comfortable in Greg Roman's offense.
Lance was rushed into Sunday's game early after Heinicke suffered what appears to be a minor injury. The offense instantly improved with Lance under center, both in the passing game and with Lance extending plays with his legs.
Lance was far from perfect but his deep ball to Tre' Harris was the best pass thrown by either quarterback in the game. There's at least big-play potential with Lance, whether it be with the deep ball or with his legs. The same just does not exist with Heinicke under center.
Heinicke completed six of 11 passes for 56 yards in an uninspiring performance. He looked like the most mediocre game-managing quarterback possible. The Chargers are better off taking a chance on the QB with a higher ceiling, which is undoubtedly Lance.
Nobody truly could have seen this coming with how poorly Lance played in his previous stops with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. Heck, the last time Lance played in a preseason game he threw five interceptions against this very same Chargers team.
But alas, sometimes all a player needs is the right situation with a coach who actually believes in him. The former No. 3 overall pick has obviously turned a corner in Los Angeles, and the Chargers ought to reward him for it.