In the Chargers final preseason game, there was a massive improvement in comparison to last week against the Saints. The Chargers opted to not play any key starters in the preseason. This led to the 2nd and 3rd string Chargers against the 49ers starters. Despite being at a major disadvantage in the first quarter, the Chargers’ young relent battled, keeping it close.
Max Duggan | B+
Duggan played much better than his 7th round pick expectations would suggest. For whatever reason, the Chargers coaching did not trust Duggan much, as they made a big effort to run and throw a lot of screens when he entered the game. What is clear is that the offense has been much better when Duggan is in the game. Duggan rushed for 51 yards and threw a key touchdown. He is a young NFL quarterback who can show up at times, but he was much better than Easton Stick was as a rookie. Duggan has good backup potential, with it on full display in the win against the 49ers.
Joshua Kelley | A-
Kelley has had noticeable highs and lows this preseason. This was definitely a high for him, with his 75-yard touchdown run. He only had two rushes, so that was about all he needed to show the coaches he is deserving of the number two running back spot come week one.
Derius Davis | A–
Davis hasn’t had the same production in the return game as he did against the Rams. However, he has only gotten better in every other way. He has shown the ability to get open as a receiver, despite Stick not seeing him for big plays. The jet sweep for Davis against the 49ers was hard to not see a young Tyreek Hill comparison. He is still clearly the best kick returner on the team, with big upside as a receiver as well.
Daiyan Henley | A
Henley has played great in every preseason game and finished with his best performance yet. His pass coverage was great throughout the game, with the exclamation point coming on an interception. He moves like a wide receiver with the build of a linebacker, which is rare. Hopefully Kenneth Murray can look similar or Henley might just steal his spot.
Easton Stick | C-
Stick had a much harder challenge than Duggan as he faced Fred Warner and other 49ers starters. Stick has not looked comfortable in the pocket and might not even be the best running quarterback on the team with Duggan emerging. He has made some great plays this preseason, but it is clear that if Hebert goes down, the Chargers offense will as well.
John Hightower | C
Hightower looked like he could make a big push to be on the active 53-man roster in training camp, where he balled out. Unfortunately, his preseason performances have not backed his case up. With the inconsistencies at quarterback, it is hard to judge the receivers too hard. However, Hightower struggled to get open when targeted.
This game was so much more entertaining than the week prior, mainly due to Max Duggan. He is so much more explosive than Stick in every way, and for whatever reason the running backs play better when he is in. The special teams played the best yet, and the defensive coordinator did an amazing job in his first NFL defensive play calling attempt.
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Featured image courtesy of Chargers.com
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