Who Will Win The Chargers’ Backup Quarterback Competition?

Despite the events of last Thursday’s preseason game, there were bright spots from both Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei in the Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback battle. And it’s clear over the course of the last two games that each have different strengths.

As head coach Jim Harbaugh relayed after the matchup on Thursday, it’s a tight race, and this Thursday’s preseason performance may be the tipping point. 

Training Camp and Preseason Performances 

Camp has seen some highlights from the two QBs. Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that Lance had a deep completion to wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith on day 5, while Eric Smith of Chargers.com said Lance showed pocket presence with a completion to wide receiver Dalevon Campbell on day 10. There was also the 15-yard touchdown to tight end Oronde Gadsden on day 14.

Smith relayed that Uiagalelei had a “40-plus yard touchdown” completion to Campbell on day 1, while Popper said Uiagalelei had a completion to wide receiver Darius Davis on day 4. Even on the last day of camp, Smith reported that Uiagalelei “delivered a 12-yard touchdown pass to Dalevon Campbell that drew roars from the entire offense.” But there were also lowlights, such as the numerous pass breakups and interceptions for each, as the Chargers’ defense has shown out many times during camp. 

In terms of preseason games, it comes down to one question: Would you rather have a quarterback with rushing ability or have a reliable passer? And Popper noted their differences in skill sets prior to the first preseason game.

Though Lance has more passing yards (237 to Uiagalelei’s 200) and rushing yards (69 to Uiagalelei’s negative 5) across both preseason games, along with a higher completion percentage (61.1% to Uiagalelei’s 54.2%), he’s also played more snaps (73 to Uiagalelei’s 50). While Uiagalelei has two passing touchdowns plus a two-point conversion with zero interceptions, Lance has zero and one interception.

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Uiagalelei has no scrambles, and his average time to throw on all dropbacks went from 3.19 seconds in the first game to 2.47 in the second, while Lance’s went from 3.63 to 2.54.

Before Lance was intercepted in that first preseason game, he had two almost interceptions, and though he didn’t put the ball in harm’s way as much in the second matchup, that’s because he did more running. Lance had four turnover-worthy plays throughout the last two games, and Uiagalelei had one.

The Verdict 

Despite having more experience, Lance has only had five passing touchdowns in the regular season since he’s been in the league, with the majority of his touchdowns in preseason. His focus has been on rushing. He wasn’t that impressive when he started for the Chargers in Week 18 of last year against the Broncos, as my notes are riddled with remarks about incomplete deep passes.

Lance may be the one the Chargers go with because of that experience, along with the familiarity that offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has from working with him in San Francisco, and the fact that rushing is his strong suit.

Uiagalelei is unproven, considering this is only his second year in the league, but maybe the Chargers need to consider him. Thursday’s game may completely change everything, but Lance has had a lot of chances and, in the preseason, has been impressive; perhaps his moment has passed, and someone else should be given a shot.