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Los Angeles Chargers: Final grades for the 2017 NFL regular season

By Derek Snyder

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Melvin Gordon #28 of the Los Angeles Chargers and Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers tackles Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 31: Joey Bosa #99 of the Los Angeles Chargers tackles Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders during the third quarter of the game at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Chargers Defense

It goes without saying, but the addition of Gus Bradley as the team’s defensive coordinator paid huge dividends in 2017, as the Chargers defense became of the most dangerous units in the league. Not only did Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram combine for a fantastic season rushing the passer, but the defense, as a whole, kept the team afloat during some tough times.

More from Los Angeles Chargers

However, if there was one area where Los Angeles excelled in 2017, it was keeping opposing offenses out of the end-zone. According to ESPN, there were only two teams in the NFL who had a better points allowed per game average than the Bolts: Jacksonville and Minnesota.

Needless to say, only allowing an average of 17 points per game is something that Los Angeles can build upon heading into 2018 and beyond. If this roster has any shot of competing for a Lombardi Trophy in the coming future, they must continue adding premier talent and depth to their already-talented defense.

Much like their coaching staff, I have a hard time giving the Chargers defense anything other than an excelling grade for the 2017 season. Week in and week out, this unit competed to the best of their ability, which turned out to be an elite level of play. In my opinion, playoffs or not, this defense should be celebrating one heck of a successful season.

Chargers Defense Final Grade: A

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