Coming off of an ugly 16-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the preseason last Saturday, the Los Angeles Chargers are looking for much more effort when they face the Rams on Saturday evening.
But the clock is also quickly ticking toward the start of the regular season and that means that time is running thin for players on the fringe of making the roster to make that one play or have that one series that convinces the coaching staff that they should be a part of the team going forward.
These four Chargers players need to make the most of each chance they are given in this game to help their case of continuing their NFL career in Los Angeles or at worst, with another team.
4 Chargers who need to step up in Battle of L.A.
Luis Perez, QB
Easton Stick is going to draw the start again, but it seems that if anyone can push him out of the No.2 spot, it's Luis Perez.
That would be quite the story as he was not even in the NFL a couple of weeks ago. But Perez, who is living his dream of playing for the Chargers, has the experience to get it done. Stick played poorly against the Seahawks and if that happens again, Perez could make this a serious discussion.
Scott Matlock, DL
Scott Matlock still figures to be on the right side of things when roster cutdown day comes, but he needs to do something to make that stick. With the recent addition of Teair Tart, the defensive line has more names to consider and if Matlock remains quiet, he may work his way off this team.
Chris Rumph II, Edge
Chris Rumph was a promising prospect when the Chargers drafted him in the fourth round out of Duke just three years ago. But he has done next to nothing noteworthy in that time and the team is no longer going to wait for it to happen.
The emergence of undrafted rookie Tre'Mon Morris-Brash has put him in a spot where he must step up and make some plays.
Isaiah Spiller, RB
Isaiah Spiller has been talked about as a possible cut or trade option all offseason. You know what hasn't been talked about? Him playing for the Chargers.
Spiller could easily be auditioning for a new team or the Chargers could dangle him as trade bait if he shows something in this game. Against the Seahawks, he had five carries for five yards but he caught three passes for 18 yards.
Jaret Patterson has likely pushed him out of a roster spot, but he needs to show other teams around the league that he can still be productive.
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