After a big win over the New York Jets this past week, the Los Angeles Chargers are feeling good about themselves. They are on a two-game winning streak and are finally looking like the team that many expected them to be.
The Bolts defense has been their calling card over the last few weeks, and it has been great to see the improvement from the guys. It has helped them even their record at 4-4, and it should continue to be a strength for this team.
Chargers insider Daniel Popper is predicting that defensive edge Tuli Tuipulotu will win a major award at the end of the season.
"Tuipulotu will be named Defensive Rookie of the Year: By the end of the season, Tuipulotu has a strong chance of distancing himself as the best defensive player in his class."
Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic
The former USC Trojan has been playing extremely well for the Bolts this season, and his emergence has helped the Chargers defense grow. His presence has forced teams to take some attention away from the other stars on the defense, such as Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
The LA defense has been clicking on all cylinders of late, and Tuipulotu has been a big reason why. On the season, he has posted 27 combined tackles and four sacks. It has been a great rookie year so far, and he should only get better.
“This is more of a projection, as Tuipilotu’s best football this season is likely still in front of him. Cornerbacks and edge rushers typically win this award. Only one non-cornerback or edge rusher has won the award since 2015: the Indianapolis Colts’ Shaquille Leonard in 2018. Tuipulotu is fifth in BetMGM’s DROY odds, trailing Carter, Seattle Seahawks corner Devon Witherspoon, Lions safety Brian Branch and Houston Texans edge rusher Will Anderson. He should move up that board in the coming weeks.”
Per Daniel Popper of The Athletic
If this were to come true and Tuipulotu were to win the award, it would be a special accomplishment for this franchise. He has an uphill battle to climb to win the award, but with a strong second-half push, anything is possible.
Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Chargers!
More must-reads: