Chargers Defense Reborn: From Dominant Start to Rock Bottom – Back to Playoff-Ready Physicality
- Tyler Lawrence
- Nov 11
- 5 min read
If the Chargers are going to make a deep run in the playoffs, it’s going to be based on the defense’s ability to stop the run, apply pressure on the quarterback, and generate turnovers. Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter was a preseason favorite to get head coaching interviews in January, but a lot of that hype had cooled with an ugly stretch of games against the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, and Indianapolis Colts. But since a blowout loss to the Colts in Week 7, a 38-24 spanking that saw MVP favorite Jonathan Taylor rush for three scores and Daniel Jones throw for another two, the Chargers have been slowly stepping back into a dominating physical defensive football team.
Defense Starts Strong Against AFC West Opponents
From Weeks 1-3, the Chargers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Brazil, the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium, and closed out the first round of divisional opponents with a win against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium. In those games, the defense allowed an average of 16.7 points per game and a 3rd-down conversion rate of 41%. The defense forced offenses to settle for field goals. Offenses were averaging 182 yards passing and 94 yards rushing. In each of those games, the Chargers had more total offensive yards than their opponents, and it was a major factor in them starting 3-0.
Injuries Pile, and Defensive Struggles Build
In the next four games, the Chargers were not nearly as effective. Some of this was offensive struggles like turnovers that put the Chargers defense in bad situations, but the defense started to crumble in other ways.
Against the Giants, who just fired Head Coach Brian Daboll after going 2-8, the Chargers gave up 152 yards rushing to two rookies in Cam Skattebo and Jaxon Dart. The top receiver on the Giants, Malik Nabers, tore his ACL in this game. While the Chargers did finish with 6 sacks (Tuli Tuipulotu getting 4 himself), there were a flurry of missed tackles and the Chargers lost what should have been an easily winnable game. This loss was not on the defense, but this is the game where the Chargers defense started bend.
That bend against the dolphins started to splinter against the Washington Commanders. They were gashed by another rookie running back, Jacoby Crowley-Merritt, who added 111 yards on the ground and 2 scores, while Jayden Daniels added another 39. They allowed a total of 163 yards rushing. Daniels was sacked just once and threw for 226 yards without Terry McLaurin suited up. Deebo Samuel had 8 receptions for 96 yards and a score. Luke McCaffrey had a 50-yard catch. Chargers lose by 17.
The splinter against the Commanders started to crack against the Miami Dolphins. The Chargers allowed Devon Achane to rush for 128 yards and 2 scores. Tua Tagovailoa was intercepted 3 times but somehow, the defense still allowed 27 points. Special teams missed assignments letting Malik Washington gain 153 yards on kick returns. The Chargers traded for Odafe Oweh, who added 4 pressures, but the Chargers simply did not have enough juice defensively to put away the Dolphins. This is a loss if not for the end-of-game heroics by Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey that let them escape with a win.
Up to this point, the Chargers defense started to bend against the Giants, splinter against the Commanders, cracked against the Dolphins, and finally, a complete break against the Colts. MVP front-runner Jonathan Taylor rushed for 94 yards and 3 scores, and Daniel Jones threw another two through the air. Alec Pierce, Tyler Warren, and Michael Pittman each had big moments in the game. The Chargers were embarrassed in uniform (Bananas) and on the field, allowing over 400 total yards and 38 total points. This is the rock-bottom point of the season; the crossroads where the team has to decide if they are going to respond, or pack it up and try again next season.
Getting Back to a Jim Harbaugh/Jesse Minter Brand of Football
In the three-game stretch of the Commanders, Dolphins, and Colts, no team in the NFL was worse in defensive EPA per play. But after getting back Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman, no team has been better. The Chargers defense has allowed a total of 26 points to the Vikings, Titans, and Steelers. They gave up more in each of the previous 3 games. They have a +49 point differential in scores combined in those last 3 games, with blowout wins against the Vikings (+27) and the Steelers (+15).
The biggest contributing factor is the improvement in run defense. Against the Vikings, the Chargers allowed a total of 34 yards rushing. The Titans had 88 yards rushing and the Steelers had 77. The defensive line in particular was able to get off blocks, play physical, and control the line of scrimmage. The number of missed tackles came down, and the Chargers were able to control the clock on offense. A Jim Harbaugh brand of football is winning in the trenches, and defensively, that’s what the Chargers have been doing.
The ability to take away the run and get ahead on the scoreboard early made those teams more one-dimensional. Carson Wentz threw for just 130 yards and Cam Ward had 145 yards through the air. With no threat of a run game, the Chargers were allowed to sit back in coverage and take away passing lanes. This also allowed the edge rushers to play more freely and apply pressure to shorten the time opposing quarterbacks can keep the ball in their hands, disrupting timing and forcing errant throws.
Aaron Rodgers has had a resurgent year of sorts with the Steelers, throwing 18 touchdowns so far this season, which ranks 5th most in the league right now. He’s one of the best quarterbacks at stepping up in the pocket and avoiding pressure. The genius coaching by Jesse Minter had the edge rushers attack the outside shoulder of the offensive tackles forcing depth, then crash inside to where Rodgers would step up, and it led to three sacks by Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack, and Bud Dupree. That pressure also forced errant throws, which created two interceptions. The Chargers defense is alive and well!
Looking Ahead to a Playoff Run
The Chargers will play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday before getting a late-season bye. Reinforcements have already been trickling in with Khalil Mack, Denzel Perryman, Deane Leonard, DaShawn Hand, and others, but the main piece that will return for the Raiders matchup November 30th will be running back Omarian Hampton. Kimani Vidal has filled in terrifically, and will be a great complement to Hampton, giving the Chargers an unexpected running mate. But Hampton adds an explosive element with his powerful running style and home-run ability.
If newly acquired offensive tackle Trevor Penning can crack the lineup and provide an even average level of play opposite Bobby Hart, and Mekhi Becton can get healthy for the back-end stretch, this leaky offensive line still has room for improvement and can over-perform. Getting a two-headed monster of Hampton and Vidal could mean less pressure Justin Herbert faces.
The identity of this team right now requires the Chargers to control the clock and keep the defense fresh. So far this season, it’s been Justin Herbert playing hero ball and controlling the clock through sustaining drives by air, but being multiple on offense is a much easier path. The key to winning in the playoffs is playing complementary football.