What is the story about?
The
Chargers closed out the preseason with a 20-18 loss to crosstown rivals Rams at SoFi Stadium.
Here is our recap of Thursday's game:
It was over when...
Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei was sacked and fumbled past midfield with under a minute, cutting short a potential game-winning drive. The turnover allowed the Rams to milk the clock and walk away with the narrow victory.
3 stars of the game
- QB Justin Herbert: 2/3, 74 yards, TD
- RB Greg Desrosieres Jr: 8 carries, 110 yards (13.8 YPC), TD
- WR Quentin Johnston: Reception, 65 yards, TD
Quick hits
- Head coach Jim Harbaugh gave quarterback Justin Herbert more run this week. Herbert fumbled on his second snap of the opening drive, but completely redeemed the unit on the next series by uncorking an explosive 65-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston
- Quarterbacks Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei traded reps as they battled for the primary backup position. Lance didn't complete a pass on two attempts but chipped in with 22 rushing yards. Uiagalelei was the more productive out of the two after entering late in the first half, finishing with 11-of-18 passing for 141 yards.
- The Chargers' ground attack found immense success behind running back Gregory Desrosiers, who averaged an incredible 13.1 yards per carry to lead a rushing unit that compiled 204 total yards.
- After allowing 146 rushing yards last week, the Chargers' defense was more stout in this department as they allowed an average of 3.8 yards a carry on the night.
- Kicker Cameron Dicker missed a crucial opportunity just before halftime, as his 49-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, leaving the Chargers empty-handed heading into the locker room. Dicker missed a kick in each of the three preseason games.
- Punter JK Scott had a rough go, struggling with hang time. Scott's first punt only went for 20 yards. This comes weeks after failing to make an attempt to tackle a 49ers return man that resulted in a touchdown.
- Injury troubles hit the wide receiver corps as Dalevon Campbell went down with a non-contact injury during a route in the third quarter and had to be helped directly to the locker room. Campbell was among the team's summer standouts.
What's next?
The Chargers will finalize their 53-man regular-season roster over the weekend before shifting their focus toward the regular-season opener against the Cardinals.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers fall to Rams in final preseason game: Recap of LA's loss
