New Orleans Saints vs Los Angeles Chargers

At SoFi Stadium on August 10, 2025, the preseason clash between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Chargers marked the debut of head coach Kellen Moore in New Orleans and offered an early glimpse of the Saints’ quarterback battle. Spencer Rattler opened under center but struggled to find rhythm, as missed blocks and costly penalties kept the offense from building momentum. The Chargers took advantage with a composed, balanced approach, methodically moving the ball to control the early tempo.

The game’s first jolt for New Orleans came when rookie Tyler Shough entered and wasted no time making an impression. On his second drive, he launched a perfectly placed 54-yard touchdown pass, giving the Saints their first real spark of the night. However, the high faded quickly when Shough threw a pick-six to Chargers rookie Eric Rogers, who later added a second interception before exiting due to injury. That defensive swing shifted the scoreboard and reignited the home crowd.

Defensively, Los Angeles dictated much of the game’s flow. A critical goal-line stand denied the Saints a scoring opportunity, while a strip-sack by the Chargers’ front four flipped field position in their favor. Rogers’ interceptions stole headlines, but the collective effort from the Bolts’ secondary and pass rush ensured that New Orleans’ offensive flashes never turned into sustained drives. The Saints’ line struggled to contain pressure, forcing hurried throws and missed chances.

The Chargers also used the night to showcase their quarterback depth and rookie firepower. Trey Lance punched in a 5-yard rushing touchdown, DJ Uiagalelei connected on a spectacular 49-yard strike to Dalevon Campbell, and rookie Raheim “Rocket” Sanders capped off the scoring with a bruising touchdown run. The Saints, meanwhile, couldn’t capitalize on their big plays, with drives stalling in key moments and momentum slipping away in the second half.

When the clock hit zero, the Chargers walked away with a convincing 27–13 victory, leaving with both a preseason win and confidence in their roster depth. For the Saints, the evening was a mix of promise and frustration—Shough’s arm talent kept the QB competition alive, but offensive inconsistency and defensive lapses left much to be fixed. As preseason rolls on, New Orleans will look to turn brief flashes into complete performances, while the Chargers appear poised to build on their early-season sharpness.