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LA Chargers: Comparing the 2020 Chargers and 2020 Colts

By Jason Reed

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts pressures Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers on a pass play during the second half of a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Al-Quadin Muhammad #97 of the Indianapolis Colts pressures Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers on a pass play during the second half of a game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 08, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

LA Chargers defense:

We did not feel the need to break the defense down position-by-position as this does not directly affect Philip Rivers. However, it does determine how much the offense will be on the field and how much they have to score, so it is worth mentioning.

The Chargers are set up nicely on the defensive side of the ball. If they stay healthy, they should be one of the quickest, most athletic and overall best defenses in the league.

Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram set the tone upfront as one of the best, if not the best, edge-rushing duos in the league. Defensive tackle got better with Linval Joseph and could be even better if Jerry Tillery performs as expected.

The linebackers are solid with a good mixture of cover linebackers, with some standouts (Drue Tranquill) while also adding a designated, pure, run-stuffing inside linebacker in Kenneth Murray. The cornerbacks got better with the addition of Chris Harris and the safeties are elite with a great trio of Derwin James, Rayshawn Jenkins and Nasir Adderley.

The Chargers also have one of the most versatile defenses in the league, as they have several guys (James, Desmond King, Harris) that are going to line up all over the field in 2020.

Indianapolis Colts defense:

The most exciting part about the Colts’ defense is Darius Leonard, who is the most exciting young linebacker in the league and is carving out a path to being the best linebacker of this decade.

They made a huge addition to the defensive line with DeForest Buckner and have a fairly solid four-man front that also includes Justin Houston. The secondary could use some work as they allowed the 23rd-most passing yards per game last season and they did add to the secondary with third-round pick Julian Blackmon.

With a solid defensive line and a really good linebacker group, the Colts’ secondary should be fine and they certainly do not have a below-average defense. It is absolutely good enough to win games in the NFL in 2020.

Next. Early AFC West standings prediction

However, it is not as good as the LA Chargers defense.

Defense advantage: Chargers

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