Chargers News: Brandon Staley's Candid Assessment of Defense After Loss

New look, same result.

In the highly anticipated season opener at SoFi stadium, many fans wondered how the Chargers would look on both sides of the ball.

While the offense under Kellen Moore has gotten off to a fast start in both phases of the air and ground game, the defensive side of the ball that head coach Brandon Staley was touted for before his hire is still waiting to prevail in year three of his LA tenure. 

“Not very good,” Staley said. “Everybody on defense that was covering did not have a good game today,” he said. “Our entire back seven didn’t have a great game. However, Staley added, “It starts with me as the coach and I gotta do better.”

via Dylan Hernandez

, LA Times

Though the Bolts offense looked impressive, especially with the dual running back attack of both Joshua Kelley and Austin Ekeler, it was the defense that eventually broke down to lose a winnable game for LA. 

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, two of which were to speed demon Tyreek Hill, who finished with over 200 yards receiving and 11 catches on the afternoon. 

Jaylen Waddle, as the secondary target, finished with nearly 80 yards of his own, but the Charger defense's main issue continues to be too much open space in the middle of the field for receivers to operate. 

Numerous times down the field, Miami picked apart the Chargers' zone and continued pushing the ball into LA's red zone. 

Even when the defense could get stops, including a late third-quarter interception from J.C. Jackson, the Bolts simply gave the ball back, and within a few plays, it seemed as if they'd be behind once more. 

Despite the glaring concerns of giving up over 500 yards in just the first week, we can only hope that the only direction LA's defensive unit can trend is upwards.