Chargers Defensive End Stays Optimistic Despite Recent Defensive Woes

At least one level of the defense came to play Sunday...

Sunday was another reminder that the Los Angeles Chargers have some work to do if they want to compete with the elite teams in the AFC. Once again, the Bolts' defense let them down when it mattered most.

The loss to the Miami Dolphins isn't all on the defense, but they didn't come to play. They allowed 536 yards to the Dolphins on the day, which won't get it done in the NFL.

After the game, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day remained positive when talking about the effort from the defense.

Sebastian Joseph-Day was asked if he still has confidence in this defense

His response "how much did they rush for?"

The Dolphins only rushed for 70 yards so yes.

— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) September 11, 2023

While he is correct in saying that the run defense was strong, their secondary got lit up. Miami passed for 466 yards through the air on Sunday.

While the Dolphins are an explosive passing team, the Bolts can't allow this to happen. They will need to change something up because if they want to succeed, they will need to get stops in certain situations.

With the level of talent that the Chargers have on defense, this shouldn't be happening. Joey Bosa, Derwin James, Khalil Mack, and others must step up and change this narrative surrounding Los Angeles.

They can't let the offense carry them again this season. There were questions entering the year about whether the defense could do their part for this team, and through one game, we got a clear answer.

Head coach Brandon Staley was brought in to help bring this defense to new levels, and so far, he hasn't lived up to the hype. He entered the season on the hot seat, and changes will be made if things continue this way.

The Chargers need to figure something out; otherwise, it will be another frustrating season altogether. The clock is ticking on this team, and it is only the second week of the new season.