3 realistic goals for the Chargers defense during the 2022 season

The LA Chargers rebuilt the defensive side of the ball this offseason after having one of the worst defenses in the league last season. Improving the defense was crucial for the Bolts considering they have a defensive-minded head coach in Brandon Staley and the offense is already one of the best in the league.

If everything goes right for the Chargers then the defense could be a top-10 defense in the league. The Chargers don't need an elite defense to be successful and as long as the team can hit certain checkpoints they will be able to compete for the Super Bowl.

Here are 3 realistic goals for the Chargers defense in 2022:

1. Have a league-average run defense

If the Chargers can just turn the run defense into an average one it will pay huge dividends for the team next season. While it would obviously be better to have an elite run defense, with all of the talent on the roster that is not needed.

The Chargers were exposed on the ground last season and that is why Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco completely rebuilt the defensive line. Not only did the team trade for Khalil Mack, but it also signed several run-stuffing interior defensive linemen as well as drafting one.

There are naturally going to be learning curves as some of these players learn a new defense and the Chargers might still have some struggles here and there in stopping the run. As long as the team can limit those struggles it will be fine. The Bolts just need the run defense to not be a glaring hole that teams can attack.

if they can accomplish that then good things will follow with the rest of the defense.