Chargers Can Build Up On That Defense

September 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Donald Butler (56) and defensive end Corey Liuget (back) during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsDefense. Defense. Defense.

Defense wins games. Defense wins championships. Is this really true today? Heck to the yeah!

We have to face Peyton Manning twice a year. The other quarterbacks in the division are much better than seasons past. We already have a good quarterback and an offense with potential. There definitely are issues that need to be cleaned up on offense, but our defense isn’t as strong as we sometimes think it is.

The defense has struggled getting off the field on 3rd down. The defense lacks big plays and the defense cannot create a pass rush. There are a lot of good young players on the defense, but it could use more playmakers.

We have added Derek Cox to upgrade the secondary, but not much else has happened to fix the issues. If anything, we have let a few players walk that were a big part of the defense.

Later this week, we could be building upon this defense by adding the playmakers that it needs. Tom Telesco is looking to add more team speed on the roster and the defense could definitely use it. Takeo Spikes was a thumper, but he wasn’t able to fly to the football anymore. He is now searching for a new home.

If the Chargers make a trade back in the draft and pick up a few picks, a player like Alec Ogletree could be a force in the middle for years to come. Mix Larry English in at outside linebacker and that whole group would be flying to the football. Donald Butler. English. Ogletree. Melvin Ingram.

If the Chargers choose to stick around with their 11th pick, they could add my newest man crush Kenny Vaccaro. Vaccaro and Eric Weddle in the secondary could be the best safety combo in the league. Speed to the football and both players are ball hawks. We definitely would be able to force more turnovers and give Philip shorter fields and more opportunities to score.

The depth at corner in this draft is deep. We could add a player like Leon McFadden and let him get a lot of opportunities in the nickel defense and he can challenge Shareece Wright for playing time.

Build up that defense. Let Philip know that he doesn’t have to try and win it all by himself. Build up that defense. Force turnovers. Build up that defense. Beat on Peyton Manning.

Build up that defense!