Chargers Defensive Coordinator Loves What He's Seeing From The Secondary

The first-year defensive coordinator wants some dogs in his secondary

The Los Angeles Chargers defense is aware that improvements are necessary if they want to make significant strides in their performance. The team hopes to address this concern with the addition of Derrick Ansley, their first-year defensive coordinator. Although Ansley will be entering his third year with the Bolts, this will be his first opportunity to serve as the defensive coordinator, bringing with him some star playmakers on that side of the ball. 

It won't be easy, though, as Ansley is taking over a group that ranked among the bottom in multiple categories. While the team boasts superstar players across various positions on the defensive side of the ball, their secondary, with the exception of Derwin James, lacks both star power and experience.

However, Coach Ansley remains optimistic about his secondary as he loves what he's seeing from them in the early part of OTAs. 

[We have] good competition. We have competition at every spot in the secondary, especially safety. You have Derwin James [Jr.], who can play multiple spots. You have Alohi [Gilman] that has played a lot of ball around here. You have JT [Woods], we have a lot of expectations for him this year. It’s going to be a really competitive group. Mark Webb [Jr.] is in that mix, Michael Jacquet, Raheem Layne. That group is very competitive. A lot of different skillsets in that group, which is what you need at safety.

The Chargers did not select any secondary pieces in the 2023 draft, choosing instead to rely on the talent within their existing roster. It'll be a tall order for many, like 2022 draft pick JT Woods who struggled mightily when he got a chance last season. However, the 41-year-old coordinator believes in the guys at his disposal and will work with what he's got. 

Despite all the hurdles they may need to overcome throughout the summer and into the season, coach Ansley and the players are eager to rebound from a subpar season and showcase their true potential.