News Summary
In their preseason opener, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-13, with rookie cornerback Eric Rogers standing out by intercepting two passes, including a remarkable 43-yard pick-six. Despite his impressive performance, concerns arose as Rogers left the field with a lower-body injury. Quarterback Trey Lance also made a strong impression, while the team faces growing injury concerns, particularly with the loss of star left tackle Rashawn Slater for the season. Upcoming matchups will test both teams’ depth and resilience as they prepare for the regular season.
Los Angeles, CA – Chargers Rookie Eric Rogers Impresses with Two Interceptions in Preseason Opener
The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off with excitement as the Los Angeles Chargers triumphed over the New Orleans Saints 27-13 in their opening game. Among the standout performers was Eric Rogers, an undrafted free agent cornerback from Rutgers, who dazzled fans by intercepting two passes, including a remarkable 43-yard pick-six during the third quarter.
In addition to his interceptions, Rogers showcased outstanding coverage skills, not allowing a single catch on five targets. His exceptional performance is likely to earn him one of the highest PFF coverage grades for a preseason game. However, his night ended with concern as he left the field nursing an undisclosed lower-body injury and was seen on crutches after the match.
Key Performances from the Game
Quarterback Trey Lance led the Chargers’ offense efficiently, completing 7-of-14 passes for 55 yards while also showcasing his mobility with a rushing touchdown and 48 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, rookie defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell made a significant contribution to the defense, recording four tackles and a sack against the Saints’ rookie quarterback, Tyler Shough.
In his debut, Shough finished with 15-of-22 passing for 165 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Spencer Rattler, starting for the Saints, completed 7-of-11 passes for 53 yards, but his performance highlighted the Saints’ struggle, as he took over three seconds to throw on average.
Injury Concerns for the Chargers
Despite the victory, the Chargers have growing concerns around injuries within the team. They are already dealing with the loss of star left tackle Rashawn Slater, who has been ruled out for the season. This situation has raised questions about the depth and durability of the Chargers’ roster as they navigate through the preseason.
Next Steps for Both Teams
The Chargers are scheduled to face off against the Los Angeles Rams at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday as they continue to build momentum in the preseason. On the other hand, the Saints will look to rebound in their next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Overall, the opening week of the preseason has provided thrilling moments and showcased emerging talent, particularly with the impressive debut of Eric Rogers for the Chargers. Fans will be watching closely as the teams prepare for their upcoming matchups and navigate the challenges of player health and performance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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