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Los Angeles Chargers Dominate in Joint Practice Against New Orleans Saints
The Los Angeles Chargers showcased their dominance on the defensive side of the ball during their joint practice with the New Orleans Saints. The Chargers’ defense controlled the line of scrimmage and consistently disrupted the Saints’ offense throughout the practice.
Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day set the tone early in 11-on-11 drills by sacking Saints quarterback Derek Carr on the opening play. The Chargers’ pass rush and run defense were relentless, constantly making their presence felt in the backfield.
Linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. also had an impressive performance, recording a sack and plowing through the running back in pass protection. Safety Derwin James Jr., who has been praised for his improved technique this offseason, made a crucial interception on a high and wobbly pass from Carr intended for tight end Juwan Johnson.
The Chargers’ defense continued to shine in the move-the-ball period, with standout plays from Morgan Fox and JT Woods. Fox had a tackle for loss on a run play, while Woods made a great break on a pass to running back Alvin Kamara in the flat.
In the red zone 11-on-11 period, the Chargers’ defense proved to be the dominant force once again. Edge rusher Chris Rumph II nearly intercepted a pass from Carr, displaying his aggressiveness and improved play during training camp. The defense also recorded multiple sacks, preventing the Saints’ offense from finding the end zone.
Overall, the Chargers’ defense showcased their athleticism, technique, and physicality during the joint practice. Head coach Brandon Staley commended their performance, emphasizing their connectivity and physical play throughout the session.
In addition to the defensive dominance, the Chargers’ defensive backs faced off against the Saints’ wide receivers and tight ends in one-on-one drills. Some notable matchups included cornerback J.C. Jackson allowing completions on both of his reps, while Asante Samuel Jr. struggled against Chris Olave, allowing multiple touchdowns.
On the other hand, Ja’Sir Taylor had an outstanding period, recording two pass breakups against Saints receiver Juwan Johnson. Safety JT Woods had a tough time defending against Johnson, allowing multiple open receptions.
Overall, the practice showcased the Chargers’ defensive prowess and highlighted some areas for improvement in their secondary. The team’s focus on technique and physicality will be key in their upcoming preseason matchup against the Saints at SoFi Stadium this weekend.
In other news, defensive lineman Austin Johnson has passed his physical and is now off the physically unable to perform list. Although he did not participate in team drills, his return to individual drills is a positive sign for his recovery.
Safety Alohi Gilman is currently dealing with a knee contusion, according to Staley. His status for future practices and games remains uncertain, but the team will monitor his progress and take the necessary precautions to ensure his full recovery.
Overall, the Chargers’ joint practice with the Saints showcased their defensive prowess, but also revealed some areas for improvement. The team’s performance bodes well for the upcoming preseason matchup and sets a solid foundation for the regular season.