The Chargers’ defense couldn’t match the lofty standards of their high-octane offense in the 2021 season, ranking 29th in the 32-team NFL in points given up and 23rd in yards allowed. They went out and traded for edge rusher Khalil Mack, signed cornerback J.C. Jackson and defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day and gave safety Derwin James Jr. a massive raise.
That was the 2022 offseason.
The Chargers’ defense couldn’t match the lofty standards of their high-octane offense in the 2022 season, ranking 21st in points given up and 20th in yards allowed. They signed linebacker Eric Kendricks to replace the departed Drue Tranquill and promoted Derrick Ansley to defensive coordinator after Renaldo Hill went to Miami.
That was the 2023 offseason.
Will matters improve this coming season, coach Brandon Staley’s third?
“It’s been great to go through this process for me,” Staley said. “It happens like this, where it’s going to take some time. But this group I’m coaching, I think you (reporters) have seen it in training camp, it likes playing together. I think we have the pieces to defend the way you need to in the NFL now.
“Depending on who you play, I think that we’re built to play against the scheme that we faced that week, and that’s what we’ve been trying for, is just to be able to go into the season saying, ‘Hey, no matter what we play, we can go play at a high level and defend the way we know how.’”
Here’s a look at the Chargers’ defense heading into the 2023 regular season, which opens Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium:
Defensive linemen: Sebastian Joseph-Day, Morgan Fox, Christopher Hinton, Austin Johnson, Scott Matlock, Nick Williams.
The key to an effective defense against the run starts here. Last season, the Chargers gave up an NFL-worst 5.4 yards per rush and their total of 2,478 yards surrendered was the fifth-most in the league. It’s got to improve if the Chargers are to rise in the AFC West standings.
Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia each suffered season-ending knee injuries, which contributed to the Chargers’ lackluster play against the run. At one point, during a midseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the Chargers ended the game with only three healthy defensive linemen. It was suboptimal, to say the least.
Ogbonnia will start the season on the PUP list, meaning he’ll be forced to sit out the first four games after suffering a knee injury last season. He’ll provide more depth at a key position once he is sound again. He’ll benefit from an early bye week, likely making his season debut in Week 6.
Edge rushers: Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Chris Rumph II.
The Chargers’ depth was tested at this position, too, after Bosa suffered a groin injury in Week 3 that required surgery and sidelined him until Week 16. He’s sound again, having gained 40 pounds of muscle during an offseason spent training with his brother Nick of the 49ers in the oppressive heat and humidity in Florida.
Bosa and Mack played together in only five games last season, and the Chargers hope their dynamic pass-rushing duo will be together for all 17 plus whatever might come in the playoffs during the 2023 season. Bosa made it clear last week he wants to win now more than ever.
Linebackers: Eric Kendricks, Kenneth Murray Jr., Daiyan Henley, Tanner Muse, Nick Niemann, Amen Ogbongbemiga.
The Chargers’ biggest move of the offseason was to sign Kendricks, a former UCLA standout who spent eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Teammates and coaches raved during training camp about his great leadership qualities and his ability to fit seamlessly into the Chargers’ culture.
Murray made big strides last season and bonded instantly with Kendricks during spring practices and training camp. Murray is entering his fourth season in the NFL, all with the Chargers, and the coaching staff predicted big things from him when paired in the middle of the field with Kendricks.
Defensive backs: Derwin James Jr., Alohi Gilman, Michael Davis, J.C. Jackson, Deane Leonard, Asante Samuel Jr., Ja’Sir Taylor, AJ Finley, Raheem Layne, JT Woods.
Toward the end of last season, Gilman locked down a starting role opposite James at safety and there was zero chance of anyone wrestling it away from him during training camp. Gilman and James are equally capable of dynamic plays in the secondary while also supporting the run defense.
Jackson’s first season with the Chargers was a disastrous one by any measure. After undergoing season-ending knee surgery last season, he’s used the recovery and rehabilitation period to become more familiar with the Chargers’ defensive game plan and his teammates.
Samuel is another potential playmaker and a difference maker in the secondary. He offered a flash of his ability with three interceptions in the Chargers’ wild-card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a performance overshadowed by their epic second-half collapse.