Undrafted rookie free agent Greg DesRosiers Jr. just threw a wrench into the Chargers’ final roster cuts, running rampant for 118 yards and a touchdown on nine carries during their final preseason game against the Rams. The guy looked like a man possessed out there at SoFi Stadium, especially on his electric 34-yard touchdown run. It really seemed like magic happened every single time he touched the ball. And if his on-field performance wasn’t enough, DesRosiers Jr. dropped a truth bomb after the game: “At the end of the day, they’re going to have a big decision to make and my job was to make it hard for them.” Mission accomplished, kid. He balled out tonight, adding an eight-yard reception to his monster night and earning a ridiculous 92.4 PFF grade.
Chargers’ Offense: Hits and Headaches Before the Regular Season
While DesRosiers Jr. definitely stole the show, he wasn’t the only Charger lighting it up on offense. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston snagged a huge 65-yard touchdown, finishing with a stellar 95.0 PFF grade. Wideout Gary Jennings also showed up with three receptions for 44 yards, which would have led the team if not for Johnston’s big play. Tight end Charlie Kolar put up an 86.5 grade, and center Josh Kaltenberger held his own with a 75.9 grade, including an 87.1 run block grade that was tops among all offensive linemen.
But man, not everyone had a good night. The offensive line had some serious issues. Tackle Laekin Vakalahi got a literal 0.0 grade in pass blocking, which is just insane! He allowed a strip sack on D.J. Uiagalelei, and it’s hard to even imagine how you get that grade when you’re actively trying to block people. Vakalahi has a long, long ways to go. Guard/tackle Alex Harkey didn’t fare much better with a 15.3 pass block grade and even picked up a facemask penalty. Quarterback Trey Lance completed zero passes on two attempts, often defaulting to his legs when plays broke down. Even Justin Herbert’s grade got sunk by a fumbled handoff, finishing at 49.8.
The Defense Stepped Up When It Counted
It wasn’t all bad news for the Bolts, though. The defense had some standouts who looked ready for the regular season. Safety Myles Purchase led the unit with an 86.2 grade and an 81.4 coverage grade, the only player above 80.0 in that area. Fellow safety Noah Avinger also showed up, with top five grades in both tackling (78.2) and coverage (76.4), earning an 81.4 overall. Tony Jefferson matched Avinger’s 81.4 grade. Edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu brought the heat with an 81.1 grade, pulling off one of the best pass rushes of the night by bull-rushing a left tackle into Ty Simpson’s lap to force an incompletion. Linebacker Daiyan Henley also made his mark with an 80.1 grade, highlighted by a torpedo tackle for loss.
This final audition before Sunday’s cuts was huge for these Chargers players. With the regular season right around the corner, every rep, every block, and every run counts. What happens over the next few days will set the stage for their season opener.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bolts from the Blue.
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