The Los Angeles Chargers kicked off the preseason by, as expected, not playing hardly any of the starters. Two of the lone exceptions were rookie wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis – Johnston because he is the WR3 (and in today’s NFL, all WR3’s basically are starters at this point), and Davis because he is the new return man. Both got in the end zone tonight in different ways, but Davis looked solid in more than one facet.
Derius Davis Impresses in Chargers Preseason Opener
On Special Teams
Derius Davis turned heads quickly when he returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. It was especially impressive given that he slowed and hesitated – which is usually not the most sound strategy for evading tacklers – before sidestepping would-be tacklers and hitting the afterburners to get past everyone else and outrun them to the end zone, showing off the speed that helped get him drafted in the fourth round.
DERIUS DAVIS IS ELECTRIC. 81-yard punt return TD! ⚡️
📺: #LACvsLAR on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/bBFpXewtKp pic.twitter.com/qr00mMPUGB— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2023
This was an excellent way to start the preseason for Davis, and ensured in just one night that he should be a worthy replacement at return man for DeAndre Carter – who was the first good return man the Chargers had had in almost a decade. It also points to the continued turnaround of the Chargers special teams unit over the last few years, which can be credited heavily to Ryan Ficken – though having the right personnel at spots like return man certainly helps too.
Showing Flashes at Receiving
While Davis was drafted primarily to be a return specialist, the potential at receiving was there too, due in part to his speed which could leave defenders in the dust. He didn’t catch any long bombs tonight (none were attempted), but he showed some ability as well as a receiver. He caught two passes for 21 yards; one of them saw him take a short pass and then turn around and outrun a defender for the first down, showing what that speed can help him do.
It was simple enough, but with a play like that and some solid route running, Davis showed that he’s hardly a one-trick pony. We also saw him run a wheel route that helped open things up for Isaiah Spiller to grab a wide-open first down instead while the defense was focused on Davis. (Credit to Kellen Moore on the offense scheming/play-calling there as well.)
Given that he’ll have to compete with Josh Palmer for WR4 time, we may not see as much of him in regular season games on the receiving end, but one has to wonder how he will get utilized, because the talent and versatility are clearly there.
Good Night for Rookie Receivers
As stated earlier, Davis wasn’t the only rookie wideout to get in the end zone tonight. Quentin Johnston got a touchdown from Easton Stick on a slant route toward the end of the second half. His night overall was a little more shaky as he had two drops early on. But he made up for it. Seeing both of your rookie wideouts have nights like that has to be exciting for both the team and the fans. We will see how both continue to do as the preseason progresses.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
