The Los Angeles Chargers leaned on a strong defensive showing to claim a 27-13 preseason victory over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers produced a goal-line stand, five sacks, and a game-changing interception return as they continued preparations for the regular season under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Trey Lance provided the highlight on offense for Los Angeles with a five-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Earlier, rookie defensive back Eric Rogers delivered one of the biggest plays of the night when he intercepted Saints quarterback Jake Haener and returned it 43 yards for a touchdown. Rogers exited late with an injury, and Harbaugh said there was no immediate update.
Lance, competing for a roster spot in a crowded quarterback room, completed seven of 14 passes for 55 yards and added 48 yards rushing on seven carries. He was the Chargers’ leading rusher in a game where both offenses struggled to sustain momentum. “Shout out to the defense once again,” Lance said. “This is a fun game to build on.”
Harbaugh, who rested many starters, including quarterback Justin Herbert, praised the team’s energy. “They just played with a lot of want-to,” he said. “I love guys that play like they want to be on this team.”
The Chargers’ pass rush consistently pressured the Saints. Rookie Jamaree Caldwell recorded a strip-sack in the third quarter, while Caleb Murphy posted two sacks in the second. The defensive front disrupted New Orleans throughout the night, limiting big-play opportunities.
The Saints opened with rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback, but he was under pressure early and finished with limited success before being replaced by Tyler Shough. Shough threw a 54-yard touchdown to Mason Tipton in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to 17-10, but Rogers also intercepted him on his first possession. Shough finished 15 of 22 for 165 yards.
Kellen Moore, making his head coaching debut for New Orleans after serving as Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator, said all three quarterbacks had ups and downs. “There’s going to be some good moments, some moments we’d like to have back,” Moore said.
For the Chargers, Taylor Heinicke started and went one of five for eight yards, while rookie DJ Uiagalelei connected on a 49-yard pass to Dalevon Campbell late in the game. Campbell also caught a two-point conversion following Rogers’ interception return.
Cameron Dicker added field goals from 44 and 40 yards to extend the Chargers’ advantage. Luke Grimm and Raheim Sanders did not find the end zone this week after strong debuts in the Hall of Fame game, which Los Angeles won 34-7 over Detroit.
Both teams dealt with injuries. New Orleans saw center Will Clapp and wide receiver Bub Means exit with lower-leg injuries, while tight end Mason Pline also left in the third quarter. For Los Angeles, defensive back Deane Leonard and guard Karsen Barnhart departed with injuries.
The Chargers, who finished 11-6 last season in Harbaugh’s first year, continue their preseason against the Los Angeles Rams on August 16. The Saints will host Jacksonville on August 17.
Oddsmakers had installed the Chargers as two-point favorites, with the over/under set at 37. The combined score of 40 points edged above the total, giving over bettors a narrow win as Los Angeles covered the spread with its two-touchdown margin.