Chargers News: Star LB Believes LA's Defense Will Reach New Heights In 2023

Here's hoping!

The Los Angeles Chargers' defense rests on the stellar play of two terrific veteran linebackers, Khalil Mack and Joe Bosa. Per Lindsey Thiry of ESPN, Mack and Bosa are using voluntary team OTAs in Costa Mesa to further strengthen their connection and get a jump on their prep ahead of the 2023 season.

The Bolts are hoping that newly-promoted Derrick Ansley will help shore up a defense that ranked just 21st in the league last year.

“It's always good when you have Joey B out there,” Mack said. “A lot of knowledge. A good friend, a good dude to have around in the locker room and the meeting room.”

Thiry notes that Mack, Bosa and safety Derwin James Jr. anchor that end of the ball for Los Angeles.  Bosa was barely available last season, missing 12 weeks of action due to a groin injury incurred during a Week 3 loss to, guess who, Jacksonville.

LA's two top pass rushers are still haunted by the 10-7 club's come-from-ahead 31-30 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars during Wild Card Weekend.

“That's one of the things that we talked about when we got on the plane,” Mack noted. “We were like, 'Man, just give me one more.' That's what we're looking forward to."

When asked whether he and Bosa reached their ceiling as a tandem last season, the 32-year-old Mack was emphatic in his response.

“Not even close,” Mack said. “Just can't wait to get out there with this guy. Not talk too much but get to work."

Head coach Brandon Staley raved about the pair's potential for the club's defense.

“It's rare that you can find two players of that caliber that you can get together,” Staley observedd. “Our goal is for those two to get to play together.”