Rams Edge Chargers in Preseason Thriller

The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers may share SoFi Stadium, but on Saturday night the Rams claimed bragging rights, pulling out a dramatic 23–22 victory in the final seconds of their preseason matchup.

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers may share SoFi Stadium, but on Saturday night the Rams claimed bragging rights, pulling out a dramatic 23–22 victory in the final seconds of their preseason matchup.

Bennett Shines Under Pressure

Stetson Bennett, who led Georgia to two national championships—including one at SoFi—once again showed his poise in a high-stakes moment. The Rams quarterback threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 8-yard strike to Tru Edwards with five seconds left on the clock.

Earlier, Bennett had connected with Mario Williams on a 38-yard touchdown late in the third quarter and found rookie Konata Mumpfield for a 2-yard score in the first half.

“It was a great play,” Bennett said of a late interception he threw. “Hard to see, really good play. But then we’ve got to go win a football game, and our defense gave us that second opportunity.”

Big Plays for the Bolts

The Chargers had their share of highlights as well. Rookie receiver Luke Grimm delivered a stunning 66-yard punt return touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving the Bolts a late lead. The undrafted free agent out of Kansas had returned just five punts in college, but broke through the Rams’ coverage and raced down the sideline for the score.

Rookie defensive tackle TeRah Edwards also had his moment in the spotlight, picking off Bennett with just over six minutes left in the game. Edwards rumbled 29 yards on the return—complete with a LeBron James-style head fake—before being tripped up at midfield, igniting celebrations on the Chargers sideline.

“I ain’t never scored a touchdown in my life,” Edwards said with a grin. “Played a little running back in Little League, but I’ve always been a lineman. That’s every big guy’s dream.”

Former Kansas standout  Luke Grimm returned a punt 66 yards for the Bolts’ go-ahead touchdown against the RAMS with 12:36 left in the fourth. Grimm, an undrafted rookie receiver, only returned five punts in five seasons with the Jayhawks, Photo by Sara Medina

Herbert Gets Preseason Action

Justin Herbert made his first-ever preseason appearance, completing 2 of 5 passes for 46 yards in a single series. The Chargers quarterback had requested a chance to get reps in Jim Harbaugh’s new-look offense, even as the team continues to adjust to the loss of injured left tackle Rashawn Slater.

Herbert’s series was cut short when receiver Quentin Johnston left the field on a cart after a hard hit. Herbert was also sacked once before the Chargers settled for a field goal.

“I was happy with the action both our first-team defense and first-team offense got in this game,” Harbaugh said. “We needed it. It helped us.”

Chargers Quarterback Depth Tested

With Herbert sitting the rest of the way, Trey Lance took extended snaps and continued his solid preseason, throwing for 121 yards. Second-round pick Tre Harris also impressed, hauling in six catches for 85 yards.

Despite strong efforts from the Bolts’ backups, Bennett regrouped after his interception to lead the Rams (2–0) on the decisive game-winning drive. A leaping 40-yard grab by Brennan Pressley between two defenders set up Edwards’ touchdown catch that sealed the win.

The Chargers (2–1) will look to bounce back as both teams continue preparing for the regular season.