We’re back with another BFTB Roundtable and this time around we’re highlighting our most impressive players through the first two games of the 2025 preseason.
Let’s get into it.
Michael
It’s hard not to immediately give Trey Lance his flowers because of how well he’s done to not only move the offense through the team’s first two games (whether with his legs or arm), but it’s also incredible that he’s done it without turning the ball over once. For a guy that many wrote off after the Chargers picked
him off five times in the 2024 preseason finale, he’s been stellar and the fact that he’s made the QB2 an open competition in his first summer with the team is also incredible.
On the other side of the ball, I’m going to give shoutout to both Nikko Reed and Eric Rogers. Reed had been balling up to and through the Hall of Fame Game and Rogers was stellar in his two-INT performance against the Saints this past weekend. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter also gets a shoutout here because of the way he has these young guys ready to play. It’s stuff like this that makes you feel confident that the Chargers pass defense could be pretty dang good no matter who is back there as long as Minter is calling the plays.
Not that I want to ever actually test that theory, but you get what I’m saying.
Jeremy
Although he may not be part of the team this year, it’s hard not to put Trey Lance as my answer for the question. He is pretty much salvaging his career during this preseason and it’s very nice to see that for someone who was dealt a bad hand upon entry into the NFL. There’s a good chance the Chargers could receive some trade offers for Lance in the coming weeks and the team should listen, especially with Taylor Heinicke and Justin Herbert atop the depth chart.
Kyle
Offense: QB Trey Lance — The past two preseason contests have shown Lance as a capable passer with good decision-making skills. He’s protected the ball, moved drives downfield and aired out two touchdowns. Add in his 56 rushing yards and another touchdown and you have a more-than-admirable preseason performance.
Defense: CB Eric Rogers — Tied for No. 1 in coverage grade (95.3) by PFF and ranked No. 1 in overall defense (97.0!) among cornerbacks is Rogers. He’s allowed zero receptions on five targets, and come away with two interceptions in that span. Add in one of those interceptions was taken back for a near 50-yard touchdown and there’s nothing more you could ask for from him.
CB Nikko Reed — The player tied with Rogers for coverage grade is in fact Reed, who has also clamped down on his oponents. Reed has allowed zero receptions on two targets according to PFF and he’s displayed abilities far beyond what an undrafted player should be doing.
Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter — A lot of credit should go to the players for their individual performances but if you have these types of standouts, it’s likely due in part to the coordinator and the coaching. Minter’s scheme appears to be elevating the players. All hope is now that the starting unit will also see greater performances come Week 1.
