4. Austin Johnson
For the most part, the Chargers have been able to stop the run this season. For a long time that has been the Achilles Heel of the defense and the Bolts have poured resources into fixing that issue. Austin Johnson was one of the players LA signed to fix the issue and he had a big impact before getting hurt last season.
Despite the overall team success of slowing down the run, Johnson has not been anything special for the Bolts so far. It has been a quiet four weeks for the former New York Giant while other members of the defensive line have thrived.
According to PFF, Johnson has recorded just one pressure in 85 pass-rushing snaps. That is not Johnson's bread and butter but he isn't doing much in the run game so far either. Johnson has not recorded a single run stop in 74 run defense snaps this season. PFF grades are flawed but the outlet has given him a 31.6 run grade thus far.
The defensive line has succeeded thanks to rookie Tuli Tuipulotu, who has really helped open up the rushing lanes for his teammates. Sebastian Joseph-Day has been fine, Mogan Fox has been solid in a pass-rush capacity and Nick Williams has been decent against the run. The one standout, for the wrong reason, is Johnson.
Thankfully, the D-line being as deep as it is has made this a non-factor for the Chargers thus far. But if Johnson can turn it around he can be the final missing puzzle piece to what could be one of the most dangerous front lines in the sport.