Chargers-Cardinals, Instant Analysis

Training camp confirmed one basic thing that college film hinted would be true about rookies Jason Verrett and Jerry Attaochu.

They can cover ground against NFL talent. Verrett appeared quicker than any other Chargers cornerback -- “First-round draft-pick quick,” Keenan Allen said -- while Attaochu took off like a track star, even if he looked lighter than his listed 252 pounds.

Until Thursday night in the team’s exhibition finale, however, Verrett had played only seven uneventful snaps this preseason as he worked back from March shoulder surgery. Attaochu looked fast but raw.

The next step was for them to make plays, and each rookie took that step Thursday.

Verrett, the first-round pick, smothered a go route in the end zone against a Cardinals backup receiver he ran with in 1-on-1 coverage.

Defending the run, the 5-foot-9 1/2 corner showed toughness. Using his non-surgical shoulder, he rammed massive quarterback Logan Thomas (6-6, 250 pounds) out of bounds to deny him a first down.

Second-round draftee Attaochu shot up upfield off the edge, as he often did in becoming Georgia Tech’s career sack leader. Instead of getting stymied, though, he bent under and around backup left tackle Nate Potter before pressuring Thomas into a sack for Chas Alechix.

The Chargers believe Verrett and Attouchu will help them this year. They assisted them in Thursday’s 12-9 victory at Qualcomm Stadium. Sixth-round pick Marion Grice, making tacklers miss, also had his best performance of the preseason.

When the teams meet again Sept. 8 to open the season, Verrett and Attouchu may be called upon again.