3 Players To Watch At Saints-Chargers Joint Practices

The Saints and Chargers will kick off joint practices Thursday leading to some sure to be entertaining competition.

The big names will be in the bright lights of Hollywood this week. Well, about an hour south of Hollywood at least. The New Orleans Saints are set to square off with the Los Angeles Chargers in Orange County for their joint practices this week ahead of their Sunday preseason matchup. In the first clash of joint practices, it will be some of the Saints’ biggest names garnering all of the attention against some unfamiliar faces.

Jul 28, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

WR Michael Thomas

It has been a delight to watch Thomas and cornerback Marshon Lattimore battle it out throughout training camp. But now Thomas, the ultimate competitor, gets a chance to take it to a group of more unfamiliar defensive backs suited up for the Los Angeles Chargers. The wideout is often noted for going 100% in practice environments and not taking reps off. With the game-like feel going up against a different team in these joint practices, expect Thomas to hold nothing back against solid competition like cornerbacks JC Jackson and Asante Samuel Jr.

QB Derek Carr

Much like his performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in the opening exhibition matchup, Carr is expected to have a big week in Costa Mesa, Calif. The passer is familiar with the Chargers’ defense and head coach Brandon Staley’s approach. While he did not face last year’s big addition for the unit in Jackson, it stands to reason that his knowledge of the scheme will carry him to an impactful week.

CB Marshon Lattimore

The 2017 defensive rookie of the year has been having what many are calling the best training camp of his career. Now, he gets to step it up against some outstanding competition at wide receiver. The Chargers are looking forward to marching out their trio of wideouts this season. But anyone should be willing to bet that Lattimore is looking forward to facing them even more. Veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams present unique challenges with Allen’s ability as a route runner and Williams’ resume as a contested catcher. Meanwhile, the team added TCU standout Quentin Johnston who brings an entirely diverse skills set as a big-bodied but athletic presence.

Expect the Chargers to move their guys around and thus expect Lattimore to be tested by all three options, not to mention talented quarterback Justin Herbert. If he maintains what we have seen from him throughout camp, this could be a huge week for the seventh-year lockdown corner.