INGLEWOOD– Justin Herbert threw a 65-yard bomb to Quentin Johnston for an early touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday, August 27. This final tune up at Sofi Stadium was the final preseason game of the year, with the Los Angeles Rams prevailing 20-18.
The play-action pass was executed to perfection, with Herbert having plenty of time in the pocket to find a wide-open Johnston splitting the safeties down the seam with plenty of speed.
The game featured backup rosters as Rams coach Sean McVay rested all starters. Rams backup quarterback Ty Simpson threw a go-ahead 11-yard touchdown pass to Brennan Presley in the second quarter to help secure the win.
The Chargers fought back late with a 34-yard touchdown run by Gregory Desrosiers and a successful two-point conversion by DJ Uiagalelei, but a late fumble sealed the victory for the Rams.
Defensively it was a fine day as the Chargers stood their ground on fourth downs several times, but otherwise got diced up by rookie Ty Simpson who completed 18-of-23 passes. The Rams offense has always looked to get the ball out fast which made it tough for the Chargers pass rush to make plays.
This was the final NFL preseason game: it counts now.
On Thursday, September 10 the Los Angeles Rams kick off their season down under. Facing their arch nemesis, the San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia.
Thee Bolts meanwhile open the regular season on Sept. 13 at home against the Arizona Cardinals.
Another ‘Showdown at Sofi’ awaits for the Chargers and Rams. The teams meet in Week 8 on Sunday, November 1 at Sofi.
Bring on the NFL regular season.
