San Diego Chargers Defensive Grades

Nov 2, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Damien Williams (34) is tackled by San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Donald Butler (56) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers

I should have split this up into middle linebackers and outside linebackers. The grade will be nearly similar, but we all know that the play in the middle has been horrific.

Donald Butler’s wallet must be weighing him down, because since he got his new paycheck he has looked like the lost kid at the grocery store. I don’t even know who that player on the field is! I don’t even know why he still gets reps on defense with the way that he has been playing. It has been a joke of a performance in the middle. I don’t care how many tackles that kid has at this point. Bront Bird was leading the team in tackles at one point last season and we all know he was playing like booty.

Can we even judge Manti Te’o at this time? The sideline and the bench have seen him more than the field. Stay away from his feet though, they are made out of glass.

Dwight Freeney is old and came out at the start of the season on fire. He has disappeared of late and it is likely because he was getting overused. He shouldn’t be playing as much as he has been, but all the injuries to the position has kept him on the field.

Jarret Johnson does what JJ does. It won’t be spectacular, but it is consistent.

Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu were supposed to figure into this equation, but they have been playing dominoes in the trainer’s room.

Grade: D