LA Chargers Week 13 Overreactions: Can a new coach fix everything?

Overreaction #2: Michael Davis is working his way into a permanent starting role

One of the few bright spots in the past few weeks has been the rising play of Michael Davis.

While it was largely asked because Casey Hayward has regressed, we asked a few weeks ago if Michael Davis was the better corner between himself and Hayward.

Now, Davis is making a bit of a case for himself in the future. Has it been enough to put him up for a spot in a starting role in 2021?

If Michael Davis can continue his play from the last two weeks into the rest of the 2020 season, he absolutely deserves a spot as a starter on the Los Angeles Chargers, perhaps even over Casey Hayward.

In Week 12, Michael Davis and the rest of the Chargers defense faced a fairly good passing attack, and he played excellently. According to PFF stats, he allowed a stellar 26.7 passer rating while collecting his second interception of the season.

Davis has always had a knack for making interceptions, but it has sometimes come at the cost of allowing a big play.

In Week 13, Davis did not face the most formidable receiving corps or quarterback, but he played excellent football again. But even more importantly, he played smart football.

Early in the game (when the contest was still in reach), Michael Davis showed this growth. On a third and long, Davis played off coverage, and when the ball was thrown his way, he immediately pounced on the receiver and made a solid tackle.

In previous weeks, Davis has sought to make the impact play by undercutting routes, but he has frequently been burned on such plays. It appears that Davis has finally come to a better understanding of the risk and reward of such plays, as he has been getting burned less while still making impact plays.

It is too early to say Davis deserves a starting spot yet, but he is well on his way to earning a nice contract and a consistent starting role.

Verdict #2: Not an overreaction