The Los Angeles Chargers defense is starting to roll. It came out of the gate stumbling, but they are starting to get going.
With the Oakland Raiders coming into town, we knew that it would be a test for the Los Angeles Chargers and the defense. We had been ripped to shreds a few times this year, but this time around we were able to make some noise.
The one thing that this defense has been able to do is take the ball away. In the first 5 weeks of the season, the Chargers have 8 takeaways with 6 interceptions and 2 forces fumbles. Yesterday they forced 2 turnovers with an interception and a forced fumble.
Another thing the Chargers have been able to do is slow the run. This was the biggest struggle last season and this year we are ranked 10th in yards allowed per game.
There still are holes on this defense, but getting a capable defensive lineman to add up front helped yesterday. Having Corey Liuget back on the field helped draw attention and freed up Melvin Ingram a little bit more.
Once we are able to get Joey Bosa back, this team should be able to bring more heat to quarterbacks. Once we get him on the field with the rest of the guys, we are going to have a pretty solid group of football players. Yesterday, Melvin Ingram was able to find his way back there and Darius Philon got a ton of pressure up front.
The biggest hole at the moment is at free safety. I feel like Derwin James was up in the box for most of the game against the Oakland Raiders. Derwin is best up there because he is a threat to blitz and he is great at run support.
The Chargers did get S Adrian Phillips involved more this week. Last season he had a big role in flipping the defense and he may see more and more action this year as well.