Los Angeles, August 11, 2025
News Summary
In their preseason opener, the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-13, thanks to rookie cornerback Eric Rogers who intercepted two passes, one being a 43-yard pick-six. Rogers demonstrated exceptional coverage skills but exited the game due to a lower-body injury. The Chargers showcased solid offensive performance led by Trey Lance. As they prepare for their next game against the Los Angeles Rams, the team must address injury concerns, particularly following the loss of star left tackle Rashawn Slater.
Los Angeles – The 2025 NFL preseason kicked off with an impressive performance from rookie cornerback Eric Rogers, who intercepted two passes, including a remarkable 43-yard pick-six, as the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-13 in their opening game.
Rogers, an undrafted free agent from Rutgers, demonstrated exceptional coverage skills by not allowing a single catch on five targets throughout the game. His outstanding performance is anticipated to earn him one of the highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) coverage grades for a preseason game. However, his night ended prematurely due to an undisclosed lower-body injury, and he was seen using crutches after the match.
The win marked the Chargers’ second victory of the preseason, building momentum as they prepare for their next encounter against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The team showcased a solid offensive performance, led by quarterback Trey Lance, who completed 7-of-14 passes for 55 yards, in addition to rushing for 48 yards and scoring one touchdown.
On the defensive side, rookie defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell made a significant mark by sacking Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough and recording four tackles. Shough debuted for the Saints, finishing the game with a stat line of 15-of-22 for 165 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Additionally, fellow quarterback Spencer Rattler started for the Saints, completing 7-of-11 passes for 53 yards, taking over three seconds per throw on average.
This preseason matchup highlighted the Chargers’ ongoing concern over injuries, especially following the season-ending injury suffered by star left tackle Rashawn Slater earlier in the preseason. As the team moves forward, head coach’s focus will be on depth and resilience in overcoming these setbacks.
The next scheduled game for the Saints will be against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, where they will seek to bounce back from this loss and solidify their roster ahead of the regular season.
Upcoming Games
- Chargers vs. Rams: Saturday at 7 p.m. ET
- Saints vs. Jaguars: Sunday at 1 p.m. ET
Key Player Statistics
| Player | Passes Completed | Pass Attempts | Yards | Rushing Yards | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trey Lance (Chargers) | 7 | 14 | 55 | 48 | 0 |
| Spencer Rattler (Saints) | 7 | 11 | 53 | 0 | |
| Tyler Shough (Saints) | 15 | 22 | 165 | 1 |
FAQs
What was Eric Rogers’ performance in the preseason opener?
Eric Rogers had an outstanding debut, recording two interceptions, one of which was a 43-yard pick-six, while also not allowing a single completed pass on five targets.
How did the Chargers fare against the Saints?
The Chargers won the game 27-13, marking their second victory of the preseason.
What upcoming game is next for the Chargers?
The Chargers will face the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
What was the performance of the Saints’ quarterbacks?
Tyler Shough completed 15-of-22 passes for 165 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while Spencer Rattler completed 7-of-11 passes for 53 yards.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports
- Los Angeles Chargers Official Video Highlights
- NFL Highlights
- ESPN Game Recap
- Pro Football Focus Game Recap
- Wikipedia: National Football League
- Google Search: 2025 NFL preseason
- Google Scholar: Eric Rogers NFL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Football League
- Google News: Eric Rogers injury
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
