Chargers happy, but not satisfied with defensive play this season – Orange County Register

EL SEGUNDO — The Chargers entered the ninth week of the 18-week season with the stingiest defense in the NFL, giving up an average of 13 points per game. They are eighth in net yards allowed, 11th in net rushing yards allowed, ninth in net passing yards allowed and 13th in net yards allowed per game.

Surprised?

No, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter wasn’t surprised.

Pleased?

Yes, Minter was pleased.

Satisfied?

No, Minter was not satisfied.

“It was the way these guys worked and came into the game and played together and did that that really made me feel like we had a chance to be a good team since April,” Minter said Thursday. “So, at times things went well. There were times when guys had to step in and play roles. The preparation of the junior plays went well. The coaches have done a great job with all the available players.”

But …

“It’s a weekly league,” Minter added, “so we don’t sit back and say, ‘OK, this is where we are now.’ What we need to do this week is try to beat the Cleveland Browns. You’re only as good as the last time you play, and they’re putting together their best performance of the season thanks to a personnel change (with Jameis Winston at quarterback). It’s a big challenge and we’re really excited about it.”

Okay, but what do you really think?

“Like how we play,” Minter said.

Minter wasn’t the only one to praise the defense, although he expected more from it.

“Doing some cool things,” outside linebacker Khalil Mack said, “but you just have to build on it and build on it and try to be even more dominant. From the schemes to the mindset and just everyone being accountable to each other… I feel like that was really important for us.”

Said guard Derwin James Jr.: “I feel like we’re in a good position, but defensively we’re definitely not where we want to be. Far from where we want to be. We work every week to get better. Essentially, getting better every day. We’re just trying to do it.”

The Chargers offense capitalized on the defense’s success by making the most of a less than stellar rating in the league. The Chargers rank 24th in points per game (18.9), 23rd in net yards per game, 20th in net yards per game, 24th in net passing yards and 20th in net passing yards. per game.

For the most part, the Chargers defense eased the offense’s burden.

“I’ve always thought highly of our defense,” Chargers cornerback Justin Herbert said. “We have always had very talented players. We had a great scheme. It’s been interesting to watch this year. They forced a lot of turnovers, set up big stops on third downs. I’ve always had a very high regard for our defense.

“As long as they do that (limit opposing offenses to two touchdowns or less), we (the offense) should be able to convert third downs and score points in the red zone. Having this type of protection when it comes to field combat makes our job a lot easier.”

The Chargers didn’t quite stifle the New Orleans Saints during their 26-8 win last Sunday. The Chargers went into bend-but-don’t-break mode, giving up just 366 yards, including 249 yards passing. Most of them occurred at the end of the first half and at the end of the game.

It certainly wasn’t perfect, but the Chargers defense only managed two field goals.

It also gives the Chargers (4-3) something to chase on Sunday when they face Winston, running back Nick Chubb and the Browns (2-6) in Cleveland.

“Ultimately, you’re trying to stop the team from scoring,” Minter said. “For me, it’s a fine line in the game: always taking away yards, exposing yourself to potentially big plays and always playing tight in personal relationships. You could really stifle some teams and you’d be one play away from going one-on-one on the outside for a 60-yard touchdown. I think there’s a balance here.”

Originally published: October 31, 2024 05:35 pm PT