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Los Angeles Chargers: Grades for first half of the 2017 season

By Derek Snyder

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown making a 14-0 lead during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after scoring a touchdown making a 14-0 lead during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 01: Brandon Mebane #92, Kyle Emanuel #51, Corey Liuget #94 and Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers look on after a Philadelphia Eagles touchdown during the second half of a game at StubHub Center on October 1, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 01: Brandon Mebane #92, Kyle Emanuel #51, Corey Liuget #94 and Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers look on after a Philadelphia Eagles touchdown during the second half of a game at StubHub Center on October 1, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Defense

The only reason why this Chargers defense didn’t get a higher grade is because they are currently the worst team in the NFL in stopping the run. That said, what’s extremely impressive is that they are a top ten defense in points allowed per game. Los Angeles is ninth in the league, only allowing an average of 19 points each weekend.

Again, outside of their terrible performances trying to tackle running backs, this Los Angeles defense is legit. Not to mention, they have two of the best pass-rushers in the entire league with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Thanks to these two superstars, the Chargers have totaled 26 sacks through their first eight games of the year, which places them tied for third in the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It’s clear that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley has made a big difference in his first year with the team. Even though Los Angeles has struggled to finish football games again in 2017, their defense is definitely not a group to blame.

Each and every weekend, despite their inability to stop the run, gives the Chargers offense a chance to win the football game. Needless to say, that’s the most any football fan can ask of their favorite team’s defense.

Defense Grade: B

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