LA Chargers: 3 keys to make the NFL Playoffs in 2020
By Jason Reed
3. The production of the defensive tackles and linebackers
The LA Chargers have a really good defense, that almost goes without saying. Barring a slew of injuries, there is no reality in which this is a bad defensive team in 2020. The Chargers are going to be a really solid defensive team with the potential to be an elite defensive team.
The areas that we already know for certain are solid is the secondary and pass-rush. The Chargers have a really good cornerback room with really good safeties. A secondary headlined by Derwin James and Casey Hayward is a really talented one.
The talent on the edge goes without saying. Joey Bosa is one of the best edge rushers in the league and arguably has not even hit his prime yet and Melvin Ingram is still a Pro Bowler that helps make up one of the best edge-rushing duos in the league.
The two areas that are not a guaranteed success (and that does not mean that they will be bad) are the linebackers and defensive tackles. The Chargers do have some really talented linebackers and have some potential at defensive tackle but that potential is going to have to be realized.
In particular, this will help the team defend the run better, which is the true key to unlocking an elite defense. If the Chargers can just be above league average in run defense then they are going to be a top-five defense in the league this season.
This is not a high-powered offense that is going to score 30 points a game. The gameplan seems to be to create an efficient offense that capitalizes on opportunities, limits the mistakes and plays off of a great defense.
Next. Biggest disappointments from training camp thus far
If the linebackers and defensive tackles are not good then the rest of the defense is going to take a hit, making things much harder.