By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
It’s just preseason, but the Los Angeles Chargers got off to a strong start with a 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans in Houston.
The Chargers fell behind early before backup quarterback Trey Lance helped spark the offense. Amar Johnson put Los Angeles ahead 10-7 in the second quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run.
Johnson, an undrafted free agent entering his second season, found the end zone again early in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run. He then added the 2-point conversion to extend the Chargers’ advantage.
“You don’t get the most opportunities at practice, so you’ve got to maximize the opportunities that you do get,” Johnson said.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh was pleased with what he saw from the young running back.
“He looked like he had some burst and some speed,” Harbaugh said. “He’s got that in him, and it was good to see him show that tonight.”
Lance Provides Spark
Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards and an interception. His play helped the Chargers build momentum after Houston took an early lead.
The Texans opened the scoring on their first series. Davis Mills started at quarterback and threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Jared Wayne. Mills played behind Houston’s starting offensive line before giving way to Graham Mertz.
Mills completed 9 of 15 passes for 82 yards.
Most starters for both teams, including Houston’s C.J. Stroud and Los Angeles’ Justin Herbert, sat out the preseason opener.
Houston was forced to bring Mills back into action to begin the second half after Mertz was injured with two seconds remaining in the second quarter. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Mertz suffered an ACL injury and that the team would have more information following further evaluation.
Chargers Pull Away
Los Angeles extended its lead when D.J. Uiagalelei connected on a 55-yard catch-and-run play that pushed the Chargers ahead 21-7.
Uiagalelei later helped put the game out of reach with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Devonte Ross, making it 27-7.
Pro Bowl kicker Cam Dicker connected on field goals of 34 and 48 yards for Los Angeles, although he missed an extra point in the fourth quarter.
Houston’s starting kicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, did not play. The Texans used undrafted free agent Chris Freeman, who converted an extra point but missed a 61-yard field-goal attempt at the end of the first half.
For the Chargers, the preseason opener provided an opportunity for younger players to make an impression. Johnson took advantage of his chances, while Lance gave the offense a spark as Los Angeles opened its preseason schedule with a convincing win.