Quarterback Justin Herbert and head coach Jim Harbaugh often dominate discussions regarding the Los Angeles Chargers, but recently, the significant improvements made by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter have started to shine through.
In a decisive 26-8 victory against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, the Chargers’ defense achieved the remarkable feat of preventing a touchdown for the second time this season. This accomplishment is noteworthy, as it marks the first instance since 2013 where the Chargers (now at 4-3) have successfully held opponents scoreless in the red zone on two outings within their first seven games.
Currently, the defense is leading the league by allowing only 13 points per game and has permitted just nine touchdowns, an impressive record that reflects the second-lowest number in the franchise’s history at this stage of the season.
“It feels like we have the script sometimes. It’s like whatever they’re running, we’re prepared for,” stated safety Derwin James after the game, emphasizing the team’s well-prepared approach. He added, “We just play our rules. We play fast, just get to the ball and don’t overthink stuff. You see the results we’re getting.”
Minter, who previously served as the University of Michigan’s defensive coordinator, joined Harbaugh’s coaching staff after he led the Wolverines to a national title last season. Following a disappointing ending against Arizona, where the Chargers allowed a last-second game-winning field goal, the defense was committed to ensuring the Saints wouldn’t find the end zone, even when victory was already secured.
New Orleans did get one last chance to score after a roughing-the-passer penalty led to a play with no time left on the clock. However, the drive ended with Jake Haener’s pass attempt to Chris Olave falling incomplete. “It did mean something. It’s not meaningless, it’s points against our defense, and we don’t want to give up no points,” James noted. “We’re trying to finish in the fourth quarter, regardless of the score.”
This marks the second instance this season where the Chargers have managed to keep their opponents from scoring a touchdown, with the first occurring in a 26-3 win against Carolina in Week 2. While critics might point out that these victories came against weaker teams with a collective total of three wins, Harbaugh remains optimistic about the achievements. “We’re playing real good defense and the competition has been good,” he commented on Monday.
One of the most substantial improvements seen in the Chargers’ defense has been in their pass coverage. At present, they are allowing just 193.4 passing yards per game, ranking ninth in the league, a stark contrast to the 297.4 yards they permitted at the same time last year. Furthermore, the defense has forced opponents to go three-and-out on nearly 29% of their possessions, the highest rate recorded since 2010.
As they aim for continued success, James believes the defense still has room for improvement. “Every week we go in there (ticked) off because we know it’s plays that we’re leaving out there, and a few technique stuff we can get better at to be dominant. We’re just trying to do that,” he explained.
On the offensive side, the deep passing game showed improvement as Herbert completed 4 of 6 passes thrown 20 yards or more, resulting in 156 yards and a touchdown. This achievement marked the first time in Herbert’s career that he has followed up two consecutive games with a minimum of four deep completions.
However, the Chargers face some challenges, particularly in kicking. Cameron Dicker holds an impressive streak of 58 field goals made from inside 50 yards, ranking as the second-longest such streak since 1991, but he is also among five kickers who have missed two extra points this season.
In terms of individual performances, rookie right tackle Joe Alt stood out by not allowing any pressure on his 38 pass-blocking snaps. Conversely, left guard Zion Johnson struggled, facing challenges in pass protection and contributing to a couple of the three sacks against Herbert.
Injury updates showed linebacker Joey Bosa returned after a three-game absence due to a glute strain but left the game with an ankle injury after playing 20 snaps. Cornerback Kristian Fulton also aggravated a hamstring injury during the match.
Key stats included J.K. Dobbins recording 535 rushing yards, marking the best start for a Chargers running back since Melvin Gordon, and rookie receiver Ladd McConkey scoring four touchdowns, placing him third among rookie receivers.
Looking ahead, the Chargers are set to face the Browns (2-5) and have secured victories in their last four encounters against them, including two successful trips to Cleveland. This matchup marks the third game of five consecutive contests against teams with losing records for Los Angeles.