Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Easton Stick followed up a poor preseason debut with an arguably more concerning performance against the Los Angeles Rams. So, naturally, head coach Jim Harbaugh named him the preseason finale starter right after the game.
Wait, what?
Immediately after the loss, Harbaugh announced Stick would start against the Dallas Cowboys. He referenced wanting to see another week of improvement from Stick, which he believes he did last week.
So far, the Chargers look like a team blindsided by Stick's regression to rookie-season playing levels. The former 2019 fifth-round selection posted an 85.7 passer rating and 61.8 passing grade last year playing in just over four games to close out the season. After two 2024 preseason games, Stick has the worst passing grade (29.6) and passer rating (30.3) of 37 quarterbacks with at least 25 attempts.
Tip drill ‼️ Jaylen McCollough makes the play ‼️
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 18, 2024
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The commitment to Stick as the immediate starter despite letting practice determine the outcome last week reeks of sunk cost fallacy and a lack of better alternatives. As of right now, the Chargers look like a team that was not prepared for this to happen and has no choice but to try and make it work. Luis Perez played better overall, but there is only so much one could expect of him having signed less than two weeks ago. He has a better long-term outlook as someone who could realistically compete for the job in 2025 after more time with the team.
The lack of consistent backup quarterback play has all but cratered the chances of any roster bubble pass catchers to make a name for themselves. Through two games, both 2024 seventh-round draft selections Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson have zero receptions. UDFA tight ends Luke Benson and Zach Heins have just one catch for five yards. Somehow, and quite admirably, veteran Simi Fehoko has five catches for 85 yards.
Fans rightfully speculate the team's long-term QB2 is not currently on the roster, whether it be Ryan Tannehill or a trade market and/or roster cut candidate on a different team. As of right now, the Chargers are caught between reeling trying to find a better option and praying for Justin Herbert to be ready for the home opener. The team has three weeks to find an alternative to keep themselves significantly more competitive in the event their star quarterback misses time.
