San Diego Chargers defense is full of potential

By Ernie Padaon
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Jan 5, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Reggie Walker (52) and outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) celebrate an interception during the fourth quarter of the AFC wild card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. San Diego won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers defense is in a much better place today then it was at any point last season. When the Chargers defense was at it’s strongest, we had Melvin Ingram on the field, Sean Lissemore in the middle of the defensive line and Richard Marshall starting at corner. The top pass-rushing linebacker off of the bench was Thomas Keiser. Reggie Walker was being used at all linebacker positions for depth. We also had the main cast and crew on the field.

Everyone from that squad is still here and we have added more players.

Dwight Freeney will be returning to action from his quad injury and will provide more pass rush for the team. Melvin Ingram is healthier. Corey Liuget is healthier. Kavell Conner was brought in as depth at middle linebacker. The team will not need to lean on Bront Bird at middle linebacker. Jeremiah Attaochu was brought on and could push Keiser out of a job.

In the secondary, the Chargers have added 1st round draft pick Jason Verrett, former Pro Bowler Brandon Flowers and will get back Steve Williams from injury. We still have Pro Bowler Eric Weddle running around and he won’t be asked to do everything any longer. He might actually get to wander a little bit more this season.

The defense has potential. A lot of potential. There are playmakers now. Melvin Ingram. Eric Weddle. Brandon Flowers. Dwight Freeney. Donald Butler. Playmakers. Then there are potential playmakers with Manti Te’o, Corey Liuget, Jeremiah Attaochu, Jahleel Addae and Jason Verrett. We may actually force some turnovers this season.

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