Former NFL GM Highlights Worries with Chargers Defense
It's no secret that the Los Angeles Chargers' defense in 2022 was beyond embarrassing. The Bolts had all they needed, including their defensive-minded coach, but they failed to execute it on the field.
Going into the 2023 season, the Chargers are primed to prove they have improved on that side of the ball. The first key is to stay healthy, which was among the main reasons for their poorly-ranked defense.
However, there are a ton of other things that must go their way. Former NFL GM turned writer Randy Mueller identifies the biggest concerns for the Chargers defense from his perspective, and he says the defense isn't up to par, considering head coach Brandon Staley is a defensive-minded head coach.
If I were GM Tom Telesco, I would be worried that the personnel employed actually fit the scheme and style of defense our head coach wants to play. I am not placing blame. I’m just saying this team’s lack of progress on defense under
Brandon Staley
is more concerning than whether new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore can give this offense balance or consistency.
(via The Athletic)
Overall, the Chargers' defense hasn't been what we expected it to be under Staley. The from office has done its job in acquiring star players, but it hasn't panned out on the gridiron.
2023 will be the year for LA to silence the critics and show they are the league's best defense. According to Mueller, that could be a tall task as he shared two major concerns he still has about the Bolts as we approach the season.
Defensively I worry about two things: the group up front being able to anchor well enough to stop a team from running the ball right down their throats (more on that later) and the level of play the Chargers are going to get from two of their highest-paid players. Defensive end
Joey Bosa
played in only five games last year and has only played more than 75 percent of the defensive snaps twice in his entire career. And safety Derwin James’ man coverage skills are shaky at best.
(via The Athletic)
We'll keep a close eye on the Chargers defense all season long. If they fail once again not to meet or exceed expectations, we should expect some changes at the end of it.