As the Los Angeles Chargers defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 37-10, in Week 8, edge rusher Khalil Mack's full-fledged return paid massive dividends, and, as a result, opposing quarterback Carson Wentz faced pressure seemingly throughout the entirety of the game.
Now, as the Chargers get set to face the struggling Tennessee Titans in Week 9, they could have another opportunity to dominate the game with their pass rush, and their ability to do so could be a huge notch in the belt for the ongoing viability of this defense.
Through their first eight games, the Titans have allowed a league-leading 34 sacks, and, while their offensive line is meant to have been reconstructed this year, their struggles could allow Los Angeles's pass rush to dominate the game before it even really gets going.
The Titans offensive line has struggled, and the Chargers pass rush is surging
As the season has progressed, a number of issues latent within the Chargers' defensive structure have come to light, including the, at times, sub-par run defense and secondary play that has put certain games out of reach.
However, even with Mack missing four games with an arm injury he sustained in Week 2, the team's pass rush has looked rather consistent throughout the course of the season. Tuli Tuipulotu has been excellent, amassing six sacks and 16 solo tackles while taking on lead pass rushing duties in Mack's absence.
Moreover, the team's move for Odafe Oweh, whom they acquired from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for Alohi Gilman, has further bolstered their pass rushing versatility. His role as a rotational piece now that Mack has returned has proved that the move was, undeniably, worth the gamble.
At the same time, the Titans' offensive has struggled heavily to prevent sacks, both as a result of the actual struggles of the offensive line as well as the propensity of rookie quarterback Cam Ward to attempt to extend plays beyond their limit. In addition to the leading the league in sacks allowed, their offense also has the second-lowest mark in the league in passing yards per attempt (4.9) and in expected points contributed by the passing offense (-54.74).
Although they could attempt to run Los Angeles into the ground with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears, it is also quite probably that the Chargers jump out to an early lead, forcing the Titans to resort to their passing game in order to recoup a deficit.
With the injuries to the team's secondary and the sub-par play of their defense against the run, they truly need the pass rush to get home on a routine basis in order to make playing more zone a viable option. Another big performance against Tennessee could go a long way toward giving the pass rushers the confidence they need to continue to do so.