The Los Angeles Chargers opened their preseason with a 27-7 victory at the Houston Texans on Thursday night.Here are my takeaways.1. Trey Lance had an opportunity to slam the door on a backup quarterback competition. He did not seize that opportunity.Lance started the game for the Chargers and certainly had some bright moments, especially in the early stages. He executed a number of the timing throws that are staples in coordinator Mike McDaniel’s offensive scheme. He looked comfortable in McDaniel’s diverse play-action looks. He created in off-script situations as a runner and passer.The issue: He did not protect the ball. Lance threw a dreadful pick at the end of the second half that took points off the board. He tried to connect with rookie receiver Brenen Thompson on an in-breaker. Lance did not see Texans safety Kamari Ramsey lurking to the inside. This was questionable vision from Lance, and it came at an inexcusable point of the game, when the Chargers were well within kicker Cameron Dicker’s field goal range.Ramsey also almost picked off Lance earlier in the second quarter. The Chargers were backed up in their own end. Lance attempted to rip an out route to the left sideline. Ramsey jumped it and should have intercepted the pass. Although it shows up in the box score as an incompletion, it was another bad decision and dangerous throw from Lance.Top Plays from Chargers @ TexansCoach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this week he wanted to give a half each to Lance and DJ Uiagalelei. Lance started the second half after his first half ended with the interception. He played one series, leading the Chargers on a field goal drive.The Chargers built a convincing lead in the second half. Uiagalelei did not receive nearly as many opportunities as Lance did in the passing game. Uiagalelei finished 6-for-9 passing for 120 yards, one touchdown and, importantly, no turnovers. He guided the Chargers to an easy win, partly thanks to an impressive second-half performance from the defense. Uiagalelei showed off his ability to throw on the run on multiple occasions, including a bootleg touchdown pass to rookie receiver Devonte Ross.Lance backed up Justin Herbert in 2025, but Uiagalelei is pushing him for that role this season. This is officially a real competition.2. Second-year running back Amar Johnson was the star of the game for the Chargers. He finished with 85 scrimmage yards and two rushing touchdowns. Johnson set up the Chargers’ third touchdown of the game in the fourth quarter with a 55-yard catch-and-run down the left sideline. That throw came from Uiagalelei.Johnson spent last season on the Chargers’ practice squad. He saw action in two games while the Chargers were dealing with a slew of injuries at running back.