3 winners (and 1 loser) of Chargers preseason loss to Saints
By Jason Reed
![New Orleans Saints v Los Angeles Chargers New Orleans Saints v Los Angeles Chargers](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6105,h_3434,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/13/01h8ay8qyadfyr8g3k0v.jpg)
Chargers winner: JT Woods
JT Woods really needed to have a strong game against the Saints. This preseason and the training camp is very important for Woods, who was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Woods did not see much playing time in his rookie season and when he did he struggled. He was a developmental draft pick and it was important to see that development before the 2023 season began.
There was a bit more pressure in this game as well after Alohi Gilman suffered a lower-body injury. The injury does not appear serious in nature but it was a wake-up call about how thin safety is for the Bolts and how big of a role Woods might have to play.
Like Henley, it was not all perfect for Woods. He had a really bad rep against a screen where he took the wrong angle and allowed it to break for a huge gain. However, after that play, Woods showed the wherewithal to recoup and put together one of his most impressive performances.
Woods flew around the secondary and made a really great play on a pass breakup over the middle in which he swatted the ball out of the receivers' hands to force the incompletion. After a really strong showing in the joint practices earlier in the week, Woods' stock has never been higher.