The Chargers lost to the Cowboys, 32-18, Saturday night at SoFi Stadium in the second preseason game.
Here are my takeaways:
Special teams struggles
While most of the starters did not play, guys battling for roster spots and roles on special teams did, and hardly anyone did anything to help their stocks. On the first Cowboys’ kickoff return, it went for 98 yards to the end zone by former USFL MVP Kavontae Turpin. On their first punt return, it was taken 72 yards to the house by Turpin. Chargers players failing to get off their blocks, taking poor angles to the football and lackluster tackling were the reasons for their struggles.
Josh Palmer shines
After being held to a limited capacity in his rookie season, Palmer has unleashed himself to show that he will be a vital piece of the Chargers’ offense this season. He continued to do so last night. The second-year player finished with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. He displayed the ability to win at the catch point in a contested situation on a 41-yard reception and be a threat after the catch on his scoring play off a screen pass.
All gas, no brakes for Michael Bandy
Having six wide receivers on the 53-man roster wasn’t a discussion entering the summer. Bandy is the reason there is one. After a stellar preseason opener against the Rams, Bandy followed that up with another eye-popping performance, catching eight passes on nine targets for 69 yards and a touchdown. If Bandy doesn’t make the cut, don’t be surprised if he’s on another roster because a player like him who runs NFL-quality routes is not going left unnoticed.
Jamal Davis continues to make his case
With Kyle Van Noy playing inside linebacker this summer, the Chargers will need a fourth edge defender on the roster, and Davis has proven himself to be that guy. There aren’t a lot of tools in his bag as a pass rusher, but Davis has been impactful as a run defender with his power to set firm edges and effort to chase down plays. Davis finished with two tackles for loss. Carlo Kemp also took advantage of his extended playing time, flashing against the pass and run.
Flashbacks from last season
The Chargers’ offseason priority was getting stouter along the defensive line’s interior part. While they did with the additions of Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson, who did not play, the guys vying for rotational roles did not do anything to make a positive impact against the run. On top of that, the tackling in the open field was also poor. As a result, the Cowboys produced 115 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns on the ground.
Running game was stagnant
Last weekend, Joshua Kelley asserted himself as the frontrunner for the second running back spot. This weekend was a bit different, as Kelley only produced 18 yards on seven carries (2.6 yards per carry). However, the other guys in the room did not show much promise, either. Larry Rountree had 11 rushing yards on four carries. Isaiah Spiller had 3 yards on three carries before he left the game with an ankle injury. Undrafted free agents Leddie Brown and Kevin Marks Jr. had five carries for 11 yards and four rushes for 10 yards, respectively. The blockers did not do much to help the backs, but the team has been hopeful of finding some consistency with this group.
