The Rams-Chargers preseason matchup had enough drama on the field, but one moment from the broadcast ended up stealing the spotlight.
During the game, an unnamed NFL official left his microphone on and television viewers caught an unfiltered line that summed up the mood of the exhibition grind: “Jesus, let’s get this over with.”
It was a rough, honest glimpse behind the curtain in the final week of the NFL exhibition season, when teams are trying to get through the schedule without losing anybody important before the regular season arrives. The Rams and Chargers both kept their starters on the field only briefly, and the game eventually settled into the kind of preseason flow that can drag.
The action did still deliver plenty. The Rams came away with a 20-18 win, and the game opened with the Chargers making an early statement. Justin Herbert hit Quentin Johnston on a 65-yard touchdown down the seam to put Los Angeles on top in explosive fashion.
That lead didn’t last long. Herbert later coughed up a costly fumble, and the Rams turned it into a 27-yard field goal to chip away at the margin and swing the early momentum.
From there, the Rams’ younger offensive pieces helped carry the middle part of the game. Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson connected with Brennan Presley for an 11-yard touchdown, and Matthew Caldwell followed with an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Dean Connors.
The finish belonged to the Rams’ defense. Outside linebacker Darryl Peterson III delivered the key play with an 8-yard sack and a forced fumble, sealing the victory in the closing stretch.
In Other News...
Chargers Suddenly Have A Kicking Concern Fans Cant Ignore
A late preseason miss from Cameron Dicker has turned into a much bigger talking point than the Chargers probably wanted. After pushing a 49-yard field goal attempt wide and then heading to the medical tent, the veteran kicker created an uneasy scene for a team that has otherwise counted on him as a steady presence.
Dicker said he is fine, but Jim Harbaugh added a layer of uncertainty by noting the kicker is "working through something." For a Chargers team trying to keep special teams stable heading into the game against the Arizona Cardinals, the hope now is simple: Dicker is available, and whatever is nagging him does not linger into the regular season. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Roster Battle Got A Lot More Interesting Against The Rams
The Chargers preseason finale at SoFi Stadium had enough buzz to feel like more than just an exhibition, even with the Rams walking away with a 20-18 win. Justin Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston on a 65-yard touchdown, while running back Greg Desrosiers added a strong case for himself with 118 rushing yards and a score. Backup quarterback DJ Uiagalelei also helped keep the offense moving, piling up 141 passing yards and tossing a two-point conversion.
For a team still sorting out the bottom end of the roster, performances like those only sharpen the debate. Herbert and Johnston showed the kind of big-play upside that can change a game in a hurry, but it was Desrosiers and Uiagalelei who may have made the late-August decision-making a little tougher. In a preseason game, those are exactly the kinds of snaps that matter. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Suddenly Have A Familiar Special Teams Decision To Make
Preseason special teams mistakes have put JK Scott back under the microscope in Los Angeles, and the Chargers are now in the familiar spot of weighing whether their longtime punter still gives them enough reliability. Scott has been with the team for four seasons, but a missed tackle on a return man and a low punt average have made this summer feel less stable than the staff would like heading into the regular season.
The Chargers are at least doing their homework on alternatives, with Thomas Morstead and Jamie Gillan among the names being discussed as possible answers if they decide to make a change. Gillan could be off the board soon, which adds a little urgency to a decision that is starting to look more like a true competition than a routine camp evaluation. [Read more 🡒]