Los Angeles Chargers: Defensive depth now a strength
By Tyler Schoon
After one preseason game, its clear the Los Angeles Chargers have a strength in their defensive depth chart. Just how stacked are they?
The Los Angeles Chargers had many positives following their preseason Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals; nowhere was this more apparent than in the defensive depth demonstrated by some new and returning faces on the roster.
In a sport filled with attrition, the Bolts have a true strength in the rotation of players behind incumbent starters that can buoy the defense in the event of an injury.
Currently, I have the second-string defensive squad looking like this:
- DE: Isaac Rochell
- DT: Darius Philon/Justin Jones
- NT: Damion Square
- DE: Chris Landrum
- OLB: Kyzir White
- ILB: Hayes Pullard
- OLB: Uchenna Nwosu
- LCB: Michael Davis
- S: Adrian Phillips
- S: Rayshawn Jenkins
- RCB: Desmond King
That’s not a bad “starting” lineup in and of itself, with some (White, Nwosu, Philon) poised to eventually start and King already a strong CB3 for the team.
Almost every player on the aforementioned list shined in some way, but Nwosu absolutely stole the show. Two solo tackles and one sack do not demonstrate his impact, consistently hustling and pressuring the quarterback with two quarterback hits. The way he flies out of nowhere to tackle running backs simply through effort reminds me a lot of Joey Bosa.
The Cardinals finished with 174 total yards and 17 points on offense (their defense scored a touchdown) much to the thanks of a great pass rush and defensive back play. Landrum, a player the team was going to feature last season before an injury cut his year short, finished with a sack and tackle for loss. Davis, fighting for the CB4 spot following the injury to Jason Verrett, looked outstanding and I believe is a lock to make the roster.
The Chargers have concerns at the starting positions on the interior defensive line, but do have strong second options that will rotate well with the veterans in front of them. I’ve heard nothing but positives from fans and pundits about Jones, the team’s third round selection, and expect some of the rushing attack defensive woes to be shored up by Bosa alongside him. Barring further injury, Jones will play next week.
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Fans never want to see their favorite starters go down with injury, but if they do, the Chargers may be more set on the defensive side of the ball than expected. A combination of smart signings, solid Day three drafting, and undrafted free agents really bolster every second-string spot on the roster. There will be injuries, but the Chargers have all the defensive depth to right the ship for an entire season.