The Chargers and Saints are linking up for two consecutive joint practices before facing off in the second preseason matchup on Sunday.
Each team has really good players on both sides of the ball, which means there will be some key matchups to keep an eye out for.
Here are five to monitor closely.
OTs Rashawn Slater and Trey Pipkins vs. EDGE Cameron Jordan
Coming off a season-ending biceps injury, Slater has benefited from the reps against Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Pipkins has, as well. He dealt with a lower body issue early in camp. They will draw another proven pass rusher in Jordan. Despite being 34, Jordan is still an elite force off the edge. He has earned six straight Pro Bowl trips. During his long career, Jordan has 115.5 sacks and 219 quarterback hits.
EDGEs Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack vs. OT Ryan Ramcyzk
Since Bosa’s season was shortened with a groin injury in 2022, the high frequency of reps is valuable. He and Mack have seen plenty of Slater and now they will draw another one of the best tackles in the league. Ramcyzk has battled some injuries the past two seasons, but the 29-year-old has still managed a high level of play when he’s been on the field.
CB J.C. Jackson vs. WR Chris Olave
Another player working their way back from an injury last season, Jackson said he plans to participate in this week’s joint practices with the Saints. He has steadily been working his way back from his knee injury, participating in seven-on-seven and team drills in training camp, where he has looked good. Olave, New Orleans’ first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft, quickly established himself as a playmaker in his rookie season. He led the team in targets (119), catches (72) and receiving yards (1,042).
WR Quentin Johnston vs. CB Marshon Lattimore
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams should have their fair share of reps against Lattimore. But I’m closely paying attention to the ones Johnston gets against the lockdown corner. In particular, I’m watching to see how Johnston gets open. He ran a great route to get open and score his touchdown in the preseason opener against the Rams. Can he continue to improve in that department? And the big one, of course, is whether he can consistently reel in passes, as the drops are still an issue.
Chargers run defense vs. RBs Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams
The Chargers finished near the bottom of the league in defending the run in 2022. Injuries up front hampered them, as did poor tackling in the back end of the defense. They added Eric Kendricks. Bosa, a key piece in that department, is back. But others, Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia, remain out. As the Bolts look to make a leap in this department, the Saints should offer a good challenge. Kamara is one of the most dynamic backs in the NFL. He is facing a three-game suspension to start the season, so these reps will be valuable to him. New Orleans signed Williams this spring. He is fresh off a career-high 1,006 rushing yards with the Lions.
