It’s Time to Give the Los Angeles Chargers Defense Its Due

It’s easy to get lost in the spotlight that surrounds a young quarterback that captured NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors a season ago. Quarterback Justin Herbert comes off a big debut campaign and is off to a terrific start in 2021. The Los Angeles Chargers own a 3-1 record and have already won a pair of divisional games.

A year ago, the Bolts made a habit out of blowing big leads. But down the stretch, the team learned how to prevail in the close games. After a 3-9 start, the Chargers won their final four outings. Unfortunately, a 7-9 record wasn’t enough to save head coach Anthony Lynn’s job. But there’s something to be said about a fresh start when it comes to a sideline leader.

Former Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is now at the helm of the AFC’s representative in City of Angels. And while Herbert has been highly effective in leading a balanced offense, give credit where it’s due when it comes to the other side of the ball.

First things first. The second-year signal-caller has hit on 68.9 percent of his throws for 1,178 yards and three times as many touchdown passes (9) as interceptions (3). He’s lost a fumble but has been sacked only seven times.

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The Other Side of the Football

But what about that Chargers’ defense? The team has permitted only eight offensive touchdowns in four contests. Staley’s squad has had some issues against the run (29th in the NFL). But there’s been a combination of nine sacks and seven takeaways. A year ago, the Bolts forced only 19 turnovers in 16 contests.

Keep in mind that a year ago, Stanley was in charge of a Rams’ unit that allowed the fewest total yards in the league. That Los Angeles squad also surrendered an NFL-low 296 points. Yes, he was the defensive coordinator there just for one year but he obviously made quite the impression on Chargers’ general manager Tom Telesco.

This weekend, the Chargers host the talented Browns. The following Sunday, Staley’s squad heads east to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. It’s a nice test for the club in facing a pair of 2020 playoff teams in back-to-back weeks. Herbert will be facing a pair of aggressive defenses. But perhaps Baker Mayfield and Lamar Jackson should be concerned about what Staley has done on the other side of the ball for the surging Bolts.