News Summary
In their preseason debut, the Los Angeles Chargers secured a 27-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints, highlighted by undrafted rookie Eric Rogers, who made a significant impact with two interceptions, including a pick-six. Rogers showcased exceptional skills, not allowing any receptions on five targets. Despite leaving the game with a lower-body injury, his performance raises expectations for his role in the upcoming season. The Chargers also dealt with injury concerns as they prepared for their next matchup against the Rams, while the Saints aimed to improve before their game against the Jaguars.
Los Angeles, CA – Chargers’ Undrafted Rookie Shines with Two Interceptions in Preseason Debut
The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off with notable performances from rookies, including Eric Rogers, an undrafted free agent cornerback who played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Chargers’ 27-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Rogers’ impressive showing included two intercepted passes and a touchdown return, drawing significant attention to his potential as a contributing player for the upcoming season.
Standout Performance by Eric Rogers
Eric Rogers, a rookie from Rutgers University, made his preseason debut with the Chargers and immediately established himself as a defensive force. During the game, Rogers intercepted two passes from Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, including a 43-yard pick-six early in the third quarter that energized the Chargers’ defense and contributed to their lead. Remarkably, Rogers did not allow a single reception on five targets, demonstrating highly effective coverage skills and positioning.
This standout effort is anticipated to earn Rogers a high grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), particularly in coverage, as he showcased skills uncommon for an undrafted rookie. His performance raises expectations for his potential impact during the regular season, although he left the game due to an undisclosed lower-body injury. After the match, Rogers was observed on crutches, signaling that his injury might require further evaluation.
Game Highlights and Key Contributions
The Chargers’ victory marked their second win in the preseason, as they prepared for the upcoming season with multiple standout players. Quarterback Trey Lance led the team offensively, completing 7 of 14 passes for 55 yards and adding a rushing touchdown for a total of 48 yards on the ground. Lance’s dual-threat capability was on display and provided a glimpse of his versatility as a new addition to the Chargers’ quarterback room.
Defensively, the Chargers benefited from rookie Jamaree Caldwell, a defensive tackle who recorded a sack on Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and totaled four tackles overall. Caldwell’s immediate impact hints at a promising future for the young defender as part of an evolving Chargers’ front line.
Saints’ Newcomers and Offensive Debuts
The New Orleans Saints fielded several new players, including rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, making his NFL debut. Shough completed 15 of 22 passes for 165 yards, threw one touchdown, and was intercepted once. His performance exhibited promise but also highlighted areas for development, such as decision-making and consistency.
The Saints’ starting quarterback Spencer Rattler also saw game action, finishing 7 of 11 for 53 yards. Rattler’s average time to throw exceeded three seconds, indicating some difficulty in the offensive line’s protection during the game. The offensive efforts demonstrated the team’s need to improve timing and communication ahead of the regular season.
Injury Concerns for the Chargers
The game also underscored ongoing injury concerns for the Chargers, who are already without star left tackle Rashawn Slater due to a season-ending injury. The team remains cautious about the health status of key players, with Rogers’ injury status adding to the list of concerns in the early preseason games.
Upcoming Preseason Fixtures
Looking ahead, the Chargers are scheduled to face the Los Angeles Rams at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday. This game will be crucial for evaluating further roster developments and young talent like Rogers. Meanwhile, the Saints will play their next contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, aiming to refine their unit before the regular season begins.
Overall, the first preseason game has offered promising signs for the Chargers’ young players, especially Eric Rogers, whose early success could influence roster decisions moving forward. Both teams will continue to adapt and build chemistry as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- Los Angeles Chargers Official Video Highlights
- NFL Highlights
- ESPN Game Recap
- Pro Football Focus Game Recap
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Google Search: 2025 NFL preseason
- Google Scholar: Eric Rogers NFL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Google News: Eric Rogers injury
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