Saints-Chargers: One Thing to Watch From Each Team

There is plenty to watch when the Saints take on the Chargers this week, but here's one thing for each team that caught the attention of an NFL.com writer.

The New Orleans Saints play their second preseason game this Sunday when they play at the Los Angeles Chargers. Before that kicks off, the Saints and Chargers will engage of two days of scrimmages against each other Thursday and Friday. 

There will be plenty to watch during those three days of action for the Saints, who defeated the Chiefs in their opener last week. NFL.com writer Eric Edholm highlights one area from each team that he'll be watching in this weekend's games. This is what he had to say about the Saints-Chargers matchup. 

SAINTS

The Saints already know they’ll be without Alvin Kamara for the first three regular-season games, so the news that rookie RB Kendre Miller suffered a knee injury against the Chiefs didn’t come at the best time. Miller’s injury isn’t believed to be major, so that’s the silver lining. But it likely will leave New Orleans a bit shorthanded for the final two preseason games, starting Sunday against the Chargers. Jamaal Williams is the starter, but ideally, they wouldn’t use him much before the regular season behind. Converted WR Kirk Merritt is also banged up, so he’s a question mark, leaving undrafted rookie Ellis Merriweather and recently signed Darrel Williams as the slack picker-uppers. Merriweather looked good against the Chiefs and might be closer to making the opening roster than many might realize.

CHARGERS

What do we make of first-rounder Quentin Johnston’s drops? He had two passes slip through his hands against the Rams last weekend, atoning with a pretty TD grab that could have foreshadowed some red-zone work in the regular season. But he also hasn’t consistently caught the ball in camp practices, according to media reports. If Johnston’s drops continue, would he earn the trust of QB Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore? After all, Johnston was credited with eight drops on 97 targets last season with TCU, and he had a few big ones at his pro day, suggesting an issue that has yet to be rectified. All eyes will be on Johnston -- and his hands -- Sunday against the Saints to see if that worry continues. 

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (30) rushes against Kansas City Chiefs defenders Mike Danna (51) and Chris Williams (70). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

We probably won't see much of Kamara, Williams, or the other projected starters from the Saints against the Chargers. Much of what the coaches will want to accomplish will likely get done during the two days of scrimmages. 

Merriweather exhibited power as a runner and solid receiving skills as a receiver last week against the Chiefs. He'll have an opportunity to solidify a backup role with another good performance. Merritt has shown little, some because of his hamstring injury, and needs to put something out there for a chance at a job. 

Darrel Williams will see his first action as a Saint after being signed just days ago. The sixth-year veteran and former LSU standout is a terrific receiver and good in space. He'll have an opportunity to solidify depth, crucial with Miller banged up and Kamara missing the first three contests.

Williams, Merriweather, and possibly Merritt should see the majority of the backfield reps. Just as critical will be the performance of the line in front of them. The starting five did a nice job in their brief appearance against Kansas City. However, the backups were atrocious as run blockers and pass protectors. Rookie Nick Saldiveri and veterans Max Garcia, Calvin Throckmorton, Storm Norton, and Lewis Kidd need to do a better job for their backs and quarterbacks to have any chance to get things done. 

Aug 25, 2018; Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and linebacker Demario Davis (56). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Like the Saints, it'll be a little surprising if the Chargers starters play at all. With one of the league's better passing attacks, QB Justin Herbert, RB Austin Ekeler, and WRs Johnston, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer, and Keenan Allen present an excellent challenge for an outstanding New Orleans secondary. 

Most of this marquee matchup will be seen during the scrimmage sessions. However, the physical L.A. receivers will test an equally physical and athletic set of Saints corners led by Marshon Lattimore. Second-year CB Alontae Taylor, in particular, looks to bounce back after giving up two big plays against the Chiefs. He's in a battle for the Number 2 corner job with Paulson Adebo and both players have had impressive camps.

Additionally, the Chargers also use their backs as receivers a lot.  This will be a big test for the New Orleans linebackers. Demario Davis may not play. However, newly signed LB Jaylon Smith will see his first action. It's also a great opportunity for D'Marco Jackson, Nephi Sewell, and the other inexperienced linebackers on the roster to make coaches and fans feel better about the depth at this position.