The Los Angeles Chargers’ Defense Is Elite

Though the Eagles’ offense has been stagnant, and they came into the game against the Chargers on a two-game losing streak, it was still an intense, messy shootout.

What’s impossible to ignore, however, is that the Chargers’ defense didn’t allow Philadelphia to gain legitimate control of the game.

Against the Chiefs, who this season have appeared a shell of their former dominance, they found a way to pull out a win. They not only knocked Kansas City out of playoff contention, but swept them for the first time since 2013. 

For years, the Chargers’ identity was evident. If Herbert didn’t play near-perfect football, the margin for error vanished. Shootouts, defensive collapses, and late-game stress were expected, if not inevitable. Now, with Jesse Minter and Jim Harbaugh, that formula seems gone. This team can win ugly because the defense has been dictating the terms.

A Top-Five Defense

The defining defensive moment began in the second quarter against Philadelphia. The defense dramatically flipped the field position and momentum.

In a chaotic sequence, L.A.’s Da’Shawn Hand intercepted a pass and was immediately stripped by an opposing rusher. The ball bounced right back into Jalen Hurts’ hands. It was then punched out again by Jamaree Caldwell. Then it was recovered by Troy Dye.

That turnover not only made headlines for its absurdity but also put the Chargers in a position to add points; confidence in their defense was at the forefront.

Further down the stretch, the Chargers’ secondary produced more game-disrupting moments for the Eagles. Cam Hart came up big in both regulation and overtime. He deflected a pass that Tony Jefferson eventually intercepted on the final play of the game. Jefferson’s pick at the 1-yard line ended the game and sealed a 22-19 victory.

More significant than the fact that the Chargers’ defense won this neck-and-neck match was that the Chargers won a neck-and-neck match.

How Did the Chargers Pull It Off?

The Chargers’ coverage schemes forced hesitations and disrupted rhythm throughout the game. By anticipating routes and maintaining tight coverage, the unit was able to limit big passing plays. That pressure in coverage helped keep the Eagles’ drives short and inconsistent.

Against the Chiefs, Daiyan Henley had another monster play, intercepting Patrick Mahomes on the goal line. This was the first of two crucial, game-stealing plays by the defense. While L.A.’s offense scored 13 unanswered points in the second half, the defense needed a huge stop to maintain the momentum. Luckily, Henley delivered.

On the final play of the game, the Chiefs had the ball back with a chance to win or tie. With Mahomes out of the game with what turned out to be a torn ACL, Gardner Minshew put together a decent drive to get them into field goal range. But the Chargers pulled out one more miracle. Derwin James picked off Minshew to advance the Chargers to 10-4. 

Throughout both games, the Chargers’ defense turned nail-biting moments into wins. It’s also important to note that the Bolts currently have the third-most interceptions in the league.

Tough Closing Stretch

Forcing turnovers is a marker of elite execution. The defense against Philadelphia showed acute awareness of the Eagles’ tendencies and capitalized on them, qualities that are certainly foundational to elite units. Against the Chiefs, it’s unfair to compare Kansas City’s current state to the Super Bowl team the AFC West is used to facing off against.

And unfortunately, the Chargers still have a challenging closing stretch ahead.

They will travel to face the Cowboys, who are just barely not eliminated from the playoffs; however, they are competitive enough to wreak havoc on L.A.’s shaky offense.

Then they have the pleasure of facing the Texans, featuring Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. They have already proved they have the Chargers’ number. And finally, the current No. 1 seed Broncos, whom the Chargers narrowly beat in Week 3.

Needless to say, it will be a brutal test for this injured team.

But if the defense can continue firing on all cylinders when the offense isn’t, they have a real shot at a playoff run. If one touchdown was enough to beat both the Eagles and the Chiefs, this defense has indeed shown it can handle the NFL’s most difficult tests.