Eric Rogers, undrafted Rutgers product for the Los Angeles Chargers, stole the limelight at SoFi Stadium with two interceptions, including a pick-six, while surrendering just five targets with zero catches allowed. His ball-tracking and eyes-up coverage drew early high praise, hinting at one of the strongest preseason coverage grades in years. Rogers exited late on crutches after an unspecified injury, leaving questions about his health for Week 1 preparations.

On the Saints side, the QB derby between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough dominated the spotlight. Shough delivered a 54-yard TD strike to Mason Tipton but also absorbed a Rogers pick-six, while Rattler faced surgical pressure, taking sacks and facing long clean pockets. PFF graders will finalize the full game grades tomorrow, but the early snap data and standout play echoed a defensive-leaning, evenly matched tune-up that leaned toward the Chargers’ edge in this opener.

Tyler Shough flashed in New Orleans’ preseason tilt with the Chargers, going 15-of-22 for 165 yards with a touchdown and an interception, plus three rushing yards and two sacks. A pick-6 by Eric Rogers opened a “welcome to the NFL” moment, but Shough rebounded with a long TD to Mason Tipton and a composed late-half drive. The Saints’ QB competition—Shough vs. Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener—got a tangible data point, with Shough finishing with an 86.2 passer rating and demonstrable poise under pressure.

Coach Kellen Moore lauded Shough’s two-minute drive progression and his ability to bounce back emotionally after the INT, suggesting a potential early edge in a wide-open battle. The result was a mixed but promising showing for the Louisville product, one that keeps the Saints squarely in the QB mix as the preseason unfolds. Tipton’s big catch and Rogers’ early pick-6 moment framed a broader storyline: Shough’s ability to respond could dictate his future role in a high-floor, competition-heavy Saints’ offense.