5 Players Stand Out In Chargers Win Over Vikings

The Chargers defensive line entered Week 3 on the heels of a standout performance against the Titans. Looking to continue this trend, the bolts in blue had a tough task against a strong Vikings passing game including Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, and rookie Jordan Addison. To shut these stars down, the front four had to wreak havoc, and that is exactly what they did.

Chargers Defensive Line Shows Out Against the Vikings

Interior Defensive Lineman Showing Life Against A Weak Vikings Interior

Sebastian Joseph-Day

Leading the way for the Chargers interior was Sebastian Joseph-Day, who had one of his best games in a Chargers uniform. Known as a standout run defender, Joseph-Day recorded four stops, tying Kenneth Murray. The former Rutgers standout also recorded three tackles, a hurry, a hit, one sack, and three pressures.

Joseph-Day has been a vocal leader for this team but is really now showing it on the field. This Week 3 contest can be the catalyst to a breakout year for the 28-year-old defensive tackle.

Morgan Fox

Morgan Fox has been a very productive pass rusher for the Chargers defensive line, being a surprising pickup from a year ago. Fox was a former teammate with the aforementioned Sebastian Joseph-Day and a former understudy of now-head coach Brandon Staley.

Against the Vikings, Fox showed why he earned his two-year extension as a designated pass rushing 3 technique that can also line up in the 4i. Fox had three tackles, one sack, two hits, and a stop. The Garett Bradbury-less Vikings offensive line led to Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins being under constant duress from the interior of the Chargers, led by Fox and Joseph-Day.

Charger Edge Rushers Showing Dominance Along the Defensive Line

Tuli Tuipulotu

Just like last week, the rookie second-round selection, Tuli Tuipulotu was once again a stud for this Chargers defensive line. The rookie standout had an insane Week 3, wreaking havoc on Cousins over and over again.

The 21-year-old USC product showed out in his relief role over Joey Bosa, as Bosa has been playing sparingly due to an injury he suffered. In Tuipulotu’s newfound snaps, he had a day against a very strong offensive tackle duo of the Vikings.

Going up against Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill isn’t an easy task, but Tuipulotu made it look like it was. According to PFF (who count half sacks as whole sacks), the Chargers rookie standout recorded three sacks, three hurries, three hits, three tackles, and three stops.

The Chargers have selected a new dominant pass rusher, Tuipulotu will likely be the long-term solution at edge rusher, as the current starting duo will likely be moved on sooner rather than later.