Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has been a revelation for the LA Chargers this season. Minter has turned the Chargers' defense around from being one of the worst in the league to allowing the fewest points per game in the entire sport.
Minter's schemes have been a breath of fresh air for fans who had to watch Brandon Staley's defense. More importantly, Minter has showcased the ability to elevate players to new heights in his defense. Whether it be veterans who previously struggled or rookies who are forced into larger roles, Minter has gotten the most out of his players.
This includes players who have spent limited time with the Chargers this season. The Chargers claimed veteran safety Marcus Maye last week and despite not having a full week of practice, Maye hauled in an endzone interception in his first game with the Bolts.
Jim Harbaugh said after the game that Minter predicted Maye would come away with an interception for the Bolts. Minter confirmed the story on Thursday, even going as far as to compare Maye's arrival to when the Baltimore Ravens traded for Marcus Peters in 2019.
DC Jesse Minter on Harbaugh saying he precited Marcus Maye's interception: "I did."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) December 5, 2024
He compares the experience of adding Maye to the defense to when he was with the 2019 Ravens who traded for Marcus Peters midseason. Peters recorded a pick six in his first game with BAL. pic.twitter.com/MEsSxJbnHW
Jesse Minter compares Marcus Maye's Chargers debut to Marcus Peters
After a disappointing year and a half with the Los Angeles Rams, Peters played so well with the Ravens in 10 games that he earned a Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro nod. Minter was the Ravens' assistant secondary coach at the time.
Minter comparing Maye's arrival to Peters' arrival in 2019 is quite the praise. Granted, the situations were shockingly similar with the results in the first week also being similar.
That being said, it goes without saying that Maye is not going to have the same impact in Los Angeles that Peters had in Baltimore. Peters already had an All-Pro honor to his name and had proven that he could play at that high of a level. Maye is not that guy.
However, Maye can and likely will play at a higher level than he was playing at for the Miami Dolphins. Peters took his game to another level going from the Rams to the Ravens and Maye can absolutely do the same thing under Minter's guidance.
This would be massive for the Chargers. Alohi Gilman is currently on the IR and wasn't playing particularly well before getting hurt. Having another safety to play alongside Elijah Molden allows the Chagrers to continue playing Derwin James at nickel, where he has been most successful this season.
And who knows, Maye could play well enough that he outright wins the job once Gilman comes back.