LA Chargers: Four players who could excel under Brandon Staley

LA Chargers who will thrive under Brandon Staley: Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa might be seen in some contexts as the “loser” of the Staley hire on defense. The Chargers will likely be shifting from a 4-3 defense to 3-4. That might be a change for Bosa based on what he’s played in recent years, but it’s worth pointing out that he played 3-4 in his rookie season and Ohio State. He’s not going to have problems with a new-look defense.

Bosa is effectively Staley’s new Aaron Donald. The new Chargers’ coach will look to get him in as many 1 on 1 situations as possible. That involves making Bosa switch between right and left end and maybe even making him attack from the inside on certain looks.

Just like Donald this season, Bosa will absorb some double teams in creating opportunities for the rest of his teammates on the defensive line. Leonard Floyd was a prime beneficiary of Donald’s presence this year. Some rumors have even connected Floyd to the Chargers in free agency.

Even if he specifically doesn’t come here, someone will be the Floyd to Bosa’s Donald. That’s how the Staley defense works. Hopefully, we see some of that production bump for Uchenna Nwosu or Jerry Tillery.

Should he stay healthy and avoid the dreaded concussion protocol, Bosa will be put in a position to succeed with Staley drawing optimal matchups towards him. Someone to also watch next to Bosa is Linval Joseph.

Joseph was good at getting pressure this year, but didn’t ultimately finish with any sacks. If the Chargers are truly going to 3-4, expect him to at least get a few next to Bosa and a less stagnant defensive line.