The Chargers Camp practice report is your one-stop shop for top plays, quotes, notes and more each day throughout the summer.
TOP PLAYS:
Philip Rivers fired a bullet to Melvin Gordon who caught it for just enough yards to move the chains on third down.
Brandon Facyson had sticky coverage downfield, breaking up a pass down the left sideline.
Cardale Jones fired a 35-yard bullet to JJ Jones for a touchdown over the middle. Jones earlier had a diving grab for a first down conversion.
Austin Ekeler hauled in an over-the-shoulder catch down the right sideline on a perfect rainbow from Philip Rivers, tapping both feet inbounds for a big gain. Ekeler later took a quick strike from Philip Rivers in the red zone and scooted across the goal line for the score.
Travis Benjamin had a big gain, speeding along the left sideline on a jet sweep.
Whitney Richardson came off the edge in a blur to get the sack.
Mike Pouncey showed off his power with a pancake block as the Saints' rusher fell to the ground.
Steven Richardson got to the quarterback in a flash for the sack.
Patrick Afriyie, Uchenna Nwosu and Steven Richardson brought the heat as the bevy of Chargers brought down the QB for a sack.
Geno Smith fired a laser to Mike Williams for a first down.
Philip Rivers found Artavis Scott deep for a touchdown.
WHO IMPRESSED:
Ricky Henne's Take:
Head Coach Anthony Lynn and Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt are on the record saying how Austin Ekeler's strong performance against the Saints a year ago during these joint practices was when the running back really opened their eyes. Well, Ekeler was up to his old tricks again with several impressive plays against New Orleans. While he had a nifty touchdown grab in the red zone along the right sideline, the play that really stood out was an over-the-shoulder grab 30 yards downfield. Not only did Ekeler make the catch, he was also somehow able to get both feet inbounds.
Hayley Elwood's Take:
You could have said this about him pretty much any day this camp, or even last training camp, but Austin Ekeler had a day on Thursday. It's clear the second-year running back is picking up where he left off in 2017. Ekeler had a spectacular grab in 1-on-1s today, catching the ball deep downfield while tapping both feet inbounds.
Chris Hayre's Take:
Artavis Scott caught a beautiful touchdown pass from Philip Rivers, adding further intrigue to the battle for the fifth spot at wide receiver. Overall, it was a productive two days against an opponent that came one play from last year's NFC Championship Game.
ODDS AND ENDS:
Thursday's session marked the final practice of training camp.
BOLTS QUOTEBOOK:
"I wouldn't say it's more productive, but it definitely helps because we can set up all those situations like we wanted to that may come up during the course of a season. I think it's always better when you're playing a game and those situations just happen and you can see how people respond. I know the more times you put them through it, the better chances they're going to execute." – Head Coach Anthony Lynn on scrimmages versus exhibition games
"I'm more cautious when I make contact. Our whole life we have led with our heads down a little bit, so it's tough. You have been doing something for 15-16 years and out of the blue one day they say you can't do it anymore. It's going to be tough. We have to try and adjust to it. We do gauntlet drills and things like that. [Head] Coach [Anthony] Lynn is on us about keeping our head up. When someone is on you constantly about it, that kind of helps." – RB Melvin Gordon on the NFL's new helmet rule
"He comes in and approaches the day for what it is and talks about what we did yesterday and need to fix. I think he does a great job for accepting everyone for who they are. You know, figuring out a way to laugh with all the guys and get in on the jokes, and all of the other things. He's been the same guy, I haven't seen anything change with him. Same guy." – NT Damion Square on Philip Rivers
TOP PHOTOS:
Browse through the top photos from day two of joint practice with the New Orleans Saints.
