The LA Chargers are hosting the New Orleans Saints for joint practices on Thursday and Friday ahead of the preseason clash between the two teams on Sunday. While the Saints are not a rival of the Chargers, New Orleans coming to Costa Mesa brought back an old rival.
After spending his entire career with the Las Vegas Raiders, quarterback Derek Carr signed a multi-year contract with the Saints in the offseason. Thus, this was a reunion of sorts for Carr and the members of the Chargers defense.
And just like old times, Derwin James made sure to jump a slightly underthrown pass from Carr to intercept it in what could have been a pick-six if the two teams were playing at full speed.
a familiar foe 😏 pic.twitter.com/N9qJWgmtqs
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 17, 2023
It may just be practice, but this video of Carr being picked off by James creates a warm feeling for Chargers fans. There are certain things that signal the start of football season: the sun starts to set sooner, the leaves start to change color and Carr throws interceptions to players in powder blue.
Derwin James wasn't the only Chargers star to thrive against Derek Carr and the Saints.
There were certainly up and down moments for the Chargers in this joint practice with the Saints. While the team had a great interception courtesy of James, there was also an ugly fumble by the offense that would have resulted in a Saints touchdown in a real game.
The other big standout from Thursday's action was Keenan Allen. Allen absolutely feasted against the Saints' secondary during the full-team drills. The overall offensive production was not as high as fans would have liked to see but Allen still turned in a tremendous showing.
KA w/ the leaping catch! ⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/2FPRtccOZ2
— Jason Delgado (@JasonDelgado78) August 17, 2023
The Chargers and Saints have one more day of joint practice before taking on each other at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. Most of the Chargers starters are not going to be playing on Sunday, so Friday will present the last opportunity for James and co. to fill up on Derek Carr interceptions.
Hopefully, the offense outside of Allen can have a better day as well.