What a transformation one year can make on a defense, as the Los Angeles Chargers saw tremendous growth from their unit from 2023 to 2024.
The Chargers' defense in 2023 was below average at best, finishing 30th against the pass (249.8 yards per game), 24th in scoring defense (23.4 points allowed per game), and 28th in total defense (362.9 yards per game). Last year was a complete turnaround, as they improved to seventh against the pass (206.9 yards per game), 11th in total defense (324.4 yards per game), and first in scoring defense (17.7 points per game).
All the credit goes to Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who got this unit rolling and instilled high confidence in them entering the 2025 season. There is plenty of talent on the defense despite key losses to guys like Joey Bosa and Asante Samuel Jr. Some believe that what they have now as their big three-headed monsters is as good as there is in the NFL.
High praise for Chargers' big three on defense with some help
Sports Illustrated writer Gilberto Manzano went through each team's top defensive linemen, linebackers, and secondary members and ranked who has the best big three. Manzano ranked the Chargers just outside the top 10 at 12th with Khalil Mack, Daiyan Henley, and Derwin James Jr. being considered the top at each level on defense.
"The Chargers went from one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2023 to the league leader in scoring defense, allowing only an average of 17.7 points last season. Mack showed last season he still has plenty to offer as he heads into his age-34 season. Henley made a name for himself with a productive second season, including 147 total tackles. James remains an elite safety in his eighth season."
Henley is only entering his third season in the NFL and already looks like a Pro Bowler in the making. Mack and James have 13 Pro Bowls and seven All-Pros combined so fans already know how elite the two of them are.
This doesn't include some of the young talent emerging on the defensive side of the ball, who could become difference makers in the next few years. 22-year-old Tuli Tuipulotu led the Chargers in sacks last year with 8.5. At cornerback, two fifth-round picks in Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart saw elevated play as starters, including Still leading the team in pass deflections (10) and interceptions (four).
The sheer potential of this defense is an intriguing aspect of the offseason, as some in the media have questioned the secondary and its effectiveness with the young Still and Hart playing more in 2025. Their performances last year should be more than enough evidence that they are ready for the spotlight of Los Angeles.
Mack, Henley, and James are the clear cut top guys on the defense, but the depth on the defensive side is more impressive. The future is set with Henley, Tuipulotu, Still, and Hart leading the next generation of great Chargers defenders into 2025.