I did not expect much, for scouting, from this game...but that pre-judge is always a jinx into the game actually being ‘terrific’ for scouting -- and this was no exception. One of the best games I’ve seen of the young 2025 preseason...maybe I reacted so hard to it because I expected so little. Either way, a very, VERY interesting game to break down here.
The Chargers handled the Saints, in general, but it wasn’t as easy as you might think...the Saints played really well...shockingly well...kudos to Kellen Moore. But the Chargers were even better. Compliments to both of these teams and coaches.
Who cares about the game result, let’s talk about the players that made this so interesting...
Player Notes:
-- I want to start off noting the LAC defense...2 picks (one a pick-six), 5 sacks, 7 TFLs, 1 fumble rec. This may have been the most ball hawking, aggressive, high speed defensive performance of preseason Week 1. Eye-opening to me how good this SECOND and THIRD unit is.
The Chargers are just well-coached...there’s no other way to put it. There’s an energy and unity with this entire team. Hat’s off to Jim Harbaugh.
I wanted to note this performance because it deserved it, but also you need this context for the next thing I’m about to comment on...keep it in mind when we discuss the Saints QBs.
-- Spencer Rattler (15-22 for 615 yards, 1 TD/1 INT, 3-22-0) started, and you probably know I do not like him as a QB prospect at all. So, this is a big (upcoming) statement -- this game, this was the best I’ve ever seen Rattler look in college or pros.
Rattler stood tall in the pocket. He wasn’t rattled. He made downfield throws on the money. He read through progressions. The QB that I saw here was not a joke anymore. Not elite or anything, but just WAY better than his 2023 college and 2024 pro version. I’d like to put the ‘but it was against a B-team defense in the preseason’ line in here to undermine how solid Rattler looked...but remember what I said to remember about the LAC defense. This was a really nice step forward by Rattler.
After I watched Rattler play so well, with Tyler Shough (15-22 for 165 yards, 1 TD/1 INT, 1-3-0) about to come into the game, I thought...I know Shough threw a pick here, and Rattler looked good like people were saying in the media about him in camp, so I was sure Shough would not rookie debut/play here as calm and good-looking as Rattler.
...and I was right, Shough didn’t play as well as Rattler...he was ever better than Rattler.
What is it with these rookie QBs!?! The NFL game is a joke to them now. All these young QBs enter their preseason debut and look better and less scared than the veteran QBs on their depth chart.
Shough came in firing passes all over the place. Great decision-making (for a rookie debut), good zip on the ball, sweet mechanics, reading the progressions, accurate...overall. Shough did have the pick-six, which was a bad throw...but I’ve seen rookie debut QBs make that mistake a million times. I think C.J. Stroud’s first ever preseason throw was a pick-six. Allowing some rookie grace on a few throws here, the majority of Shough’s work, for a rookie, was really very nice and controlled.
...and consider that Shough faced a swarming LAC defense that was a pack of wild dogs on the loose versus Shough with downgraded O-Line protection. Shough was challenged MUCH more by the opposition than Rattler was. It almost seemed like Rattler didn’t get half the pressure Shough did.
Good performances by both QBs here. Credit to Kellen Moore. He probably has to start Rattler Week 1, if it’s a close call through camp. Moore has all the time in the world to put Shough in later. No reason to rush...the Saints aren’t winning any titles right now. There is a case for just going with the best QB, the hopeful future...to go with Shough right away and let him start the journey. My guess is Moore will start the veteran and protect the rookie because there is no pressure or expectations for the Saints to win now.
-- All that (above) about the Saints’ QBs, and then I look at Trey Lance (7-14 for 55 yards, 0 TDs/0 INTs, 7-48-1) looking like the same limited QB he has been for 4 years and for three NFL teams. Lance is no more than a backup that you have to manufacture rollouts/counters to free him up on the move to make some simple passes to move the offense...you do NOT want him sitting in the pocket trying to play real QB.
Lance is still eating baby food as an NFL QB. He’s never gonna graduate to solid food. He’s just a guy you try to use his feet to move the offense and deceive the defense. There are absolutely no signs of him becoming a real NFL starter.
-- LAC RB Report...
My guess is Najee Harris will magically get better/healed once training camp is ending, but with him in question now, I looked at all the other LAC RBs to see if they had something to work with Omarion Hampton (DNP) for Week 1 if needed. My ranking of the LAC RB performances/options from this game/their depth chart (from worst to best)...
Nyheim Miller-Hines (4-10-0) is done in the NFL. They should just cut him already.
Hassan Haskins (6-33-0, 2-12-0/2) is only there because he played for Harbaugh at Michigan.
I thought Kimani Vidal (6-16-0, 0-0-0/1) looked OK-ish, and I thought he might be the top RB by default, but...
I have to give it to UDFA rookie Rahiem Sanders (10-42-1, 1-11-0/1), for now. His first few carries were shaky, but he finished out looking like the best of a very weak bunch.
If it comes down to it, there is NO WAY the Chargers lose Najee and then just run Sanders or Vidal with Hampton. LAC will get some veteran RB someway, somehow.
-- Saints RB Report...
Kendre Miller (6-15-0, 1-9-0/1) looked like his usual, very good self...he looks healthy and back to being an Alvin Kamara clone. Kendre is better than every LAC RB not named Omarion, including Najee.
Cam Akers (4-9-0) is not close in talent to Kendre.
Velus Jones (1-0-0, 4-16-0/4) was used in a very interesting way all game...used as a RB/WR hybrid type, and he looked very good. I think he will be the #3 RB...he gives them versatility. It was very interesting the way they were using him ‘like a weapon’.
-- LAC WR Report...
It’s hard to get a read on KeAndre Lambert-Smith (0-0-0/2) or Tre Harris (0-0-0/1) because Trey Lance isn’t a real QB. They are technically sound WRs who are gifts for a real QB...but Lance isn’t the QB for them, and Taylor Heinicke (1-5 for 8 yards, 0 TDs/0 INTs) is worse than Lance. But I did focus on Harris’s route running, and it was good/he is fine...but so is KLS. The Chargers suddenly have WRs and depth...a 180 from 2024 season.
-- IDP Notes...
I thought Fadil Diggs (4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFLs) looked very good here. Glad to see it. one of our top EDGE rusher prospects from the 2025 Draft.
Every LAC game, Tarheeb Still (2 tackles) is making plays. He’s a starter at the slot corner spot. He’s gonna have a year for IDP, I bet.
LAC rookie Jamaree Caldwell (4 tackles, 1 sack) continues to show out this preseason. If he is gonna pop right away, it makes this LAC defense even more feisty.
