Charger Report

Chargers News: How Does LA's Top Defensive Trio Match Up Against PFF's Top Choice?

LA's defensive trio is a force to be reckoned with

Ricardo Sandoval

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The Los Angeles Chargers' defense in 2022 wasn't what we expected it to be. LA ranked in the middle of the pack in many defensive rankings, including yardage, where they were 20th, tied for 21st in points allowed, and finished 28th in yards allowed and dead last in yards per attempt allowed (5.4). 

Those numbers are unacceptable for the type of talent the Chargers possess, but there's also context behind those numbers. Arguably their best defender, defensive end Joey Bosa. Bosa missed 75% of the season as he dealt with a groin tear. 

That had a ton to do with their defensive struggles, but we must not forget about him and his other two star teammates in safety, Derwin James, and edge rusher Khalil Mack.

People must have forgotten about this trio, including Pro Football Focus (PFF), who asked their followers on Twitter to name a better duo than the Dallas Cowboys' new defensive trio.

The defensive trio above is worthy of conversation, but let's be real; Stephon Gilmore is way pasted what he was, and Trevon Diggs is hit-or-miss. Micah Parsons is a phenomenal talent; anyone would be lucky to have him on their team. 

However, the Chargers trio of James, Mack, and Bosa are way more lethal than the boys from Texas. Granted, they have yet to play a full season together, but the sky is the limit for the three. 

James is the best safety in the league; actually, he's more than a safety; he's a Swiss army knife with no weakness on the defensive end. He can do it all; James can line up anywhere on the field and make an impact anywhere he pleases. 

Mack is a bit of the older side at 32 years old and will enter his 10th season in the league. He had a down year in 2022, but don't let that fool you. He was easily the focal point of the defense, especially for the pass rushers without no Joey Bosa. Hopefully, that's a different story this season, as Bosa and Mack will help each other out in a big way.  

Bosa's number one priority this season is to stay healthy. Joey only played in five games in 2022, including the playoffs. A healthy Bosa is a force to be reckoned with and is among the top pass rushers in the game today. He's barely going to be 28 years old soon, and I believe he hasn't reached his full potential. 

The trio has combined for 14 Pro Bowls, four All-Pros, 154.5 sacks, and 1,190 total tackles. 

We can't wait to see this trio suffocate opposing offenses in 2023, and if they're healthy, they can be the best trio in the league. 

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Ricardo Sandoval
RICARDO SANDOVAL

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