News Summary
The Los Angeles Chargers defeated the New Orleans Saints 27-13 in their 2025 NFL preseason opener at SoFi Stadium. Chargers quarterback Trey Lance showcased his skills, while rookie Eric Rogers excelled with two interceptions, including a pick-six. The Saints faced challenges, particularly from starting quarterback Spencer Rattler, who struggled under pressure. This match marks a significant moment for both teams as they prepare for upcoming games, highlighting the ongoing quarterback competition for the Saints amidst new coaching strategies.
Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Chargers dominated the New Orleans Saints in their 2025 NFL preseason opener, winning decisively with a final score of 27-13 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, August 10. This game marked a significant moment for the Saints as it was the debut for head coach Kellen Moore.
Chargers quarterback Trey Lance led the offensive effort, completing 7 of 14 pass attempts for 55 yards, while also contributing significantly on the ground with 48 rushing yards across seven carries. The standout defensive performance came from rookie Eric Rogers, who intercepted two passes, including an impressive 43-yard pick-six, and did not allow any receptions on five targeted throws.
On the other side of the field, the Saints struggled to find rhythm, particularly with starting quarterback Spencer Rattler who was sacked twice and failed to score any points before being replaced by Tyler Shough. In his time on the field, Shough managed to throw for 165 yards, including a touchdown pass, but was also intercepted by Rogers, completing 15 of his 22 attempts. Overall, both teams experienced offensive difficulties, using a mix of rookie players and backups throughout the game.
The Chargers’ special teams also made an impact, with kicker Cameron Dicker successfully converting field goals of 44 and 40 yards. The Saints, however, faced self-inflicted setbacks, committing seven penalties for a total of 56 yards, which hampered their efforts to gain momentum.
This matchup marks a notable shift in the historical context of meetings between these two teams. The Saints had previously enjoyed a six-game winning streak against the Chargers dating back to 2010, making this defeat significant for the Chargers’ confidence moving forward in the preseason.
In a strategic decision, the Chargers opted to rest several starting players, including their primary quarterback, Justin Herbert, during this game. Injuries were a concern for both teams, with Saints player Will Clapp carted off the field and Chargers cornerback Deane Leonard also sustaining an injury that raised questions about the team’s depth heading into the rest of the preseason.
Looking ahead, the Saints will have a chance to regroup before their next preseason game when they host the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 17. Meanwhile, the Chargers will prepare to face their city rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, on August 16.
This game served as an early indication of the quarterback competition for the Saints, highlighting the early struggles faced by both Rattler and Shough. As the preseason progresses, each team’s coaching staff will be looking to refine their strategies and address issues revealed during this initial matchup.
Overall, the outcome underscores the challenges that come with integrating new coaching philosophies and player rotations in early-season NFL play. The Chargers’ coaching staff expressed satisfaction with their team’s performance, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the preseason.
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Additional Resources
- New Orleans Saints: Game Preview
- ESPN: Game Recap
- Pro Football Focus: Game Recap
- Wikipedia: New Orleans Saints
- Google Search: Los Angeles Chargers
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, 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 French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
