LOS ANGELES — A month into his stint as a Chargers quarterback, Cardale Jones remains a work in progress.
“When he’s hot, it’s a beautiful thing,” head coach Anthony Lynn said two weeks ago. “When he’s cold, he’s off a little bit. But he’s still learning the system.”
With just one preseason game left, that assessment still rings true. Acquired by trade just before the start of training camp, Jones saw his most extensive action yet during Saturday’s 21-19 win over the Rams, playing 31 snaps, and throwing for 74 yards and one interception. It was the first time this month that he connected on more than half his pass attempts (9 of 13).
Not coincidentally, it was the first time Jones got a chance to play behind the first-string offensive line, something that gave Lynn a better chance to properly evaluate the former fourth-round pick. Incumbent backup Kellen Clemens watched from the sideline at the Coliseum, and could do so again this Thursday against the 49ers.
“I’m just trying to get Cardale caught up,” Lynn said. “Just so that he can have a fair chance.”
Lynn didn’t think Jones got enough help in a preseason loss to the Saints a week earlier. The 6-foot-5 quarterback led the Chargers into the red zone that day, but the drive ended abruptly on a receiver’s fumble. Blame could also be shared on some of miscues this past Saturday. Jones’ interception, for example, was thrown a bit inside of receiver Travis Benjamin — but Benjamin did little keep Rams defensive back Dominique Hatfield from ripping the ball away.
Former @Utah_Football CB Dominique Hatfield fighting for a roster spot with the Rams. This will help. #Utes #UtesInTheNFL pic.twitter.com/kQclfyd2Y9
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) August 27, 2017
Putting Jones behind starting linemen like Russell Okung and Matt Slauson on Saturday gave him more time to throw. But extra post-practice reps have helped have also helped him absorb the playbook. Traded by the Bills last month for a conditional seventh-round pick, Jones arrived in Southern California in catch-up mode: Philip Rivers and Clemens have both been in the league for over a decade, while undrafted quarterback Mike Bercovici is in his second offseason with the Chargers.
“Naturally, you’re going to feel behind,” Jones said. “Naturally, you’re going to feel like they’ve got to kind of spoon-feed you in the beginning.”
He credited Clemens and quarterback coach Shane Steichen for fostering his growth, but perhaps no one has been as instrumental as Rivers. Shortly after joining the Chargers, Jones admitted that he felt “starstruck” the first time he met the six-time Pro Bowler.
“He knows so much,” Jones said Saturday. “He’s been in this league forever. Any insight that he has — sometimes he gives me answers that are above my knowledge at points.”
It seems unlikely that Jones will leapfrog Clemens for the No. 2 job by the start of the season. A 34-year-old career backup, the latter offers stability and consistency, traits that are valuable in the quarterback room even if he never plays a snap. But Lynn also coached Jones in Buffalo, and clearly sees potential in the former Ohio State star.
Even if he isn’t ready for regular-season snaps, Jones could convince Chargers to keep a third quarterback on their roster — which must by trimmed down to 53 by 1 p.m. this Saturday. He’s doing his best to make that an easier choice.
“It helps that the head guy believes in you and wants you here,” Jones said, “but it’s all about putting in the time.”