Rams Rally Late to Edge Chargers 23-22 in Preseason Thriller

Stetson Bennett Leads Rams to Thrilling 23-22 Preseason Victory Over Chargers

The Los Angeles Rams pulled off a dramatic comeback win in their second preseason outing, edging out the Chargers 23-22 behind quarterback Stetson Bennett’s resilience. The second-year signal-caller overcame a costly interception in the fourth quarter to deliver a game-winning touchdown drive in the final seconds.

Bennett’s Composure Under Pressure

Bennett, known for his championship pedigree at Georgia, showed once again why pressure rarely rattles him. Despite a late-game interception by 305-pound rookie TeRah Edwards, a play that included Bennett being bowled over during the return, the Rams’ quarterback reset and found his rhythm when it mattered most.

Player	Comp/Att	Yards	TDs	INT
Stetson Bennett	28/40	324	3	1

He ended with a strong stat line of 324 yards and three touchdowns. Interim coach Aubrey Pleasant, filling in for Sean McVay, praised Bennett’s ability to rebound:“You give up an interception in that situation and you come back and respond—that’s what you want to see in a quarterback.”

Chargers’ Mixed Night: Herbert’s Debut and Playmaking Rookies

For the Chargers, the night provided glimpses of promise but ended in frustration.

• Justin Herbert’s First Preseason Action: After five years of sitting out exhibition games, the Chargers’ $262.5M QB requested playing time. He completed 2-of-5 passes for 46 yards, but his only series was marred by a sack and an injury to receiver Quentin Johnston, who had to be carted off.

• Rookie Standouts: Second-round WR Tre Harris caught six passes for 85 yards, while RB Raheim Sanders scored on a short 1-yard run.

• Big Special Teams Play: Undrafted rookie Luke Grimm sparked the Bolts with a 66-yard punt return touchdown, giving them the lead in the fourth quarter.

Player	Comp/Att	Yards	TDs	INT
Trey Lance	7/15	121	0	0
Taylor Heinicke	6/11	56	0	0
Justin Herbert	2/5	46	0	0

Player	Receptions	Yards	TDs
Tre Harris	6	85	0
Quentin Johnston	0	0	0

Player	Carries	Yards	TDs
Trey Lance	4	25	0
Raheim Sanders	5	11	1

The Play of the Night: Big Man Pick

The game’s most viral moment came courtesy of TeRah Edwards, the Chargers’ 305-pound defensive tackle. Edwards, who had never recorded an interception in college, dropped into coverage, picked off Bennett, and rumbled 29 yards downfield—throwing in a head fake and even running over Bennett before falling near midfield.

For Edwards, it was a dream moment:“I’ve always been a lineman, so that’s a big guy’s dream.”

Rams’ Offensive Highlights

Alongside Bennett’s poise, the Rams showcased depth on offense:

Player	Receptions	Yards	TDs
Brennan Presley	6	102	0
Mario Williams	2	46	1
Tru Edwards	4	32	1
Konata Mumpfield	2	12	1

Player	Carries	Yards
Jarquez Hunter	15	55
Cody Schrader	13	48
Stetson Bennett	2	4

Mario Williams made a crucial 38-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter, while rookie Konata Mumpfield also added a red zone score earlier. Meanwhile, RB Jarquez Hunter and Cody Schrader combined for over 100 rushing yards.

Final Score and Game Recap

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Total
Rams	7	0	10	6	23
Chargers	3	6	6	7	22

The Rams eked out a 23-22 victory after a high-intensity back-and-forth battle that showcased key plays on offense, defense, and special teams.

Scoring Summary

Time	Team	Play Description	Score
1st Quarter	Rams	Konata Mumpfield 2-yard TD pass from Bennett (Karty kick good)	7-0 Rams
1st Quarter	Chargers	Cameron Dicker 32-yard FG	7-3 Rams
2nd Quarter	Chargers	Cameron Dicker 39-yard FG	7-6 Rams
2nd Quarter	Chargers	Cameron Dicker 31-yard FG	7-9 Chargers
3rd Quarter	Rams	Joshua Karty 38-yard FG	10-9 Rams
3rd Quarter	Chargers	Raheim Sanders 1-yard rush TD	15-10 Chargers
3rd Quarter	Rams	Mario Williams 38-yard TD catch from Bennett	17-15 Rams
4th Quarter	Chargers	Luke Grimm 66-yard punt return TD	22-17 Chargers
4th Quarter	Rams	Tru Edwards 8-yard TD catch from Bennett	23-22 Rams

What’s Next

• Rams (2-0): Travel to face the Cleveland Browns on August 23.

• Chargers (2-1): Close preseason against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara on August 23.

This game highlighted the Rams’ growing confidence in Bennett while giving Chargers fans glimpses of hope with their young talents. It sets the tone for both teams as they look toward the regular season.