Chargers’ defense shines in 27-13 preseason win over Saints

The Los Angeles Chargers leaned on their defense in a 27-13 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, overcoming a sluggish offensive outing. Trey Lance scrambled for a 5-yard touchdown, and rookie Eric Rogers delivered a 43-yard pick-six, while the Chargers’ defense forced multiple key turnovers.

The Bolts produced a goal-line stand and a strip-sack while sacking Saints quarterbacks five times. Rookie Jamaree Caldwell dropped Tyler Shough for a 9-yard loss in the third quarter, and Rogers intercepted Jake Haener in the fourth before leaving with an injury.



Lance, who led the team in rushing with 48 yards on seven carries, went 7-of-14 for 55 yards. Taylor Heinicke started at quarterback, completing just one of five passes for 8 yards, while DJ Uiagalelei energized the crowd with a 49-yard strike to Dalevon Campbell late.


Spencer Rattler started for New Orleans but was sacked twice by Caleb Murphy. Shough replaced him, throwing the pick-six to Rogers on his first drive of the third quarter.


Lance then connected with Campbell for a 2-point conversion to make it 17-3. Shough later found Mason Tipton for a 54-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 17-10. He finished 15-of-22 for 165 yards.

Cameron Dicker added field goals of 44 and 40 yards for Los Angeles. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, entering his second season after an 11-6 playoff year, rested several starters, including Justin Herbert.


Rashawn Slater is out for the season with a torn patella tendon, while RB Najee Harris’ Week 1 status remains uncertain following an eye injury in a July 4 accident.

The Chargers, playing an extra preseason game after winning the Hall of Fame Game, faced a Saints squad led by new head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, the former Chargers head coach.