Analyst ranks Chargers defense fourth-best heading into 2022

The Chargers are drawing notice for the major pieces they added to the defense in the offseason.

In a story for NFL.com, analyst Adam Schein said the Chargers have the NFL's fourth-best defense.

Schein mentioned the highly publicized additions of linebacker Khalil Mack and cornerback J.C. Jackson, as well the signing of safety Derwin James to a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension. He also touted a move that received less media coverage, the signing of defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, a former Ram, to a three-year contract.

“And don't sleep on the defensive tackle help general manager Tom Telesco brought in to shore up the run defense, which last season pulled a defense that ranked 12th against the pass into the bottom half of the league (23rd) in yards allowed,” he wrote. “Free-agent tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day earned the best defensive grade from (Pro Football Focus) of his career in 2020."

Schein ranked the defenses of the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers Nos. 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

While the Chargers almost certainly improved from last year, it’s hard to imagine them making such a huge leap, even with their new additions.

The Chargers allowed the third-most rushing yards in the league last year (2,361). This contributed to the team giving up an average of 27 points, tied for third worst in the league with the 7-10 Atlanta Falcons.

The Chargers traded their second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and sixth-round pick in 2023 for Mack, who should contribute to the run defense if he can return to his All-Pro form and stay healthy. The 31-year-old played just seven games last year in Chicago, but he picked up 11 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles in 16 games in 2020.

Mack and fellow pass-rusher Joey Bosa on the other side should give the Chargers a strong rush and thus force teams to attack the middle of the line.

The Chargers' schedule is littered with strong offenses, including the Chiefs, Broncos and Raiders in their division. Kansas City’s high-powered offense already appears in sync, even though the Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill in the offseason to Miami. The Las Vegas Raiders added five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams, the former Packer, and the new-look Denver Broncos are now quarterbacked by Russell Wilson, the former Seattle star. 

Among the NFC teams the Chargers will face are the Super Bowl champion Rams, led by Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, and the Kyler Murray-led Cardinals.