LA Chargers: 5 reasons Tyrod Taylor can take Bolts to playoffs

Reason No. 4: Chargers’ stacked defense

Despite everything said about Tyrod Taylor, some Chargers fans will still be hesitant. Generally speaking, it’s understandable given how Taylor’s last starting gig with the Cleveland Browns went. One of the big differences between that Browns team and this Chargers team, though, is the defense.

That year, the Browns were 19th in total defense. Everyone remembers how great the Chargers defense was in 2018, as it was a huge reason they made the playoffs that year. They were fifth in total defense. Even though the Chargers lost several defensive starters at various points in 2019, they managed to finish 12th in total defense. That’s pretty solid for a unit that lost defensive backs Derwin James and Adrian Phillips for almost three months. They also lost Trevor Williams, who at one point, was their projected second corner before the season.

There are some question marks on the defensive side of the ball. It’s hard to have full confidence in Michael Davis in the second cornerback slot. There will also be a lot of interesting variables to watch with the linebacker group as it’s shifting from what it was last year. But with a roster that will have James and fellow defenders Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Casey Hayward, and Chris Harris, the defense is in a very solid position.

This may be the first year the Bosa and James *knocks on wood* start Week 1 together.

Despite Buffalo having decent defenses in Taylor’s time there, it never had one as stacked like this. In fact, the defense in Buffalo only became what it is today after Taylor left. Having a great defense that can limit scoring will make it so Taylor doesn’t get into many shootouts. He won’t have to save the day often.

As long as he can control the tempo and keep turnovers down, he can let the defense do a lot of the work.