The Los Angeles Chargers have been one of the NFL’s best defenses this regular season, if not the best, and that is borne out by the defense’s statistics. LA’s defense is the only unit this season to have not given up 200 points yet. They lead the league in total points scored at 188 and are 30 points ahead of the second-place Philadelphia Eagles in that category.
Los Angeles is surrendering a league-best 15.7 points per game, is 13th in total yards allowed per game, and is sixth in the league in sacks. Their defense is led by Linebacker Daiyan Henley who is eighth in the league in solo tackles. The Los Angeles Chargers defense is coming off one of the best games any unit has played all season against the Atlanta Falcons last week. They picked off Quarterback Kirk Cousins four times in the victory. The Chargers defense is fourth in the league interceptions. LA’s defense has surrendered 20+ points in only three of their 12 games this season. Will their defense be able to continue carrying the team over the remainder of the regular season?
Los Angeles Chargers Season Summary
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Los Angeles, under first-year Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, has been one of the shocks of the NFL season. They are in second place in the AFC West at 8-4 and the AFC’s No. 5 seed in the NFL Playoffs. The team’s defense has been their strength this season while their offense has been an average unit this season. They are 24th in total yards per game and 18th in points per game. Quarterback Justin Herbert has been in the middle of the pack this NFL season. He is 19th in the league in passing yards and touchdown passes and 18th in QBR.
Harbaugh’s brand of football is a physical one as he prioritizes running the ball and playing solid defense. That is what he has done during his first year at the helm with the Los Angeles Chargers. This model has been an effective one as the Los Angeles Chargers are third in the league with a +11 turnover differential.
The Chargers are 18th in the league in rushing yards per game, but their rushing attack took a big hit with Running Back J.K. Dobbins suffering a knee sprain a few weeks ago. It is unclear how long he will be out, but Dobbins missed last week’s game and will be sidelined once again for Sunday’s divisional tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs. Dobbins was having a solid year as he is 17th in rushing yards and tied for 10th in rushing touchdowns.
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Chargers defense will have a tough test Sunday night on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs. These teams played one another on September 29 with KC winning 17-10. Patrick Mahomes and Herbert were not at their best in that game as the defenses stifled the talented quarterbacks. Los Angeles was limited to 224 total yards while the Los Angeles defense held Mahomes to 1 passing touchdown and 1 interception. LA’s defense will need to continue carrying the team while their offense tries to find its footing.
