Updated
Updated · Bolt Beat · Aug 14
Chargers Beat Texans 27-7 as Lance Slips and Slaughter, Wax Boost Roster Cases
Updated
Updated · Bolt Beat · Aug 14

Chargers Beat Texans 27-7 as Lance Slips and Slaughter, Wax Boost Roster Cases

3 articles · Updated · Bolt Beat · Aug 14

Summary

  • 27-7 gave the Chargers a useful first preseason sorting tool, with no top starters playing and Jim Harbaugh planning to use starters in Games 2 and 3 instead.
  • Trey Lance hurt his bid to lock down the QB2 job, missing a potential touchdown, taking a bad sack and throwing a late first-half interception after Houston dropped an earlier pick-six chance.
  • Jake Slaughter strengthened his Week 1 guard case by allowing just one pressure and posting a 72.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in his first real-game work at left guard.
  • KeAndre Lambert-Smith helped his push for a sixth receiver spot with four catches for 58 yards, while linebacker Marlowe Wax added three tackles, a pressure, a QB hit and a pass breakup.
  • Scott Matlock and edge rusher Kyle Kennard lost ground in roster battles, with Matlock struggling as a lead blocker and Kennard earning PFF's lowest defensive grade at 35.7.

Insights

Did the Chargers’ 27-7 preseason win reveal a real Harbaugh identity, or just early August noise against a thin Texans lineup?
Is the Chargers’ backup quarterback race still wide open after Trey Lance’s uneven start and DJ Uiagalelei’s efficient finish?
How much did Jake Slaughter, Amar Johnson, and TeRah Edwards change the Chargers’ roster battles with one strong preseason opener?