EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Bud Dupree is fully aware of the formidable challenge the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense will face this Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow currently leading the NFL in passing yards and Ja’Marr Chase topping the charts in receptions, this matchup presents a significant opportunity for the Chargers to earn deserved respect from the league.
“We’ve got to step up and show the world what we’re capable of. There’s no room for complacency; we need to bring our A-game,” Dupree emphasized. The Chargers, boasting a 6-3 record and riding a three-game winning streak as well as victories in four of their last five outings, currently hold the league’s best record for points allowed per game at just 13.1. They aim to replicate a feat accomplished only by the 1990 New York Giants by limiting opponents to 20 points or fewer in their first nine contests.
However, analysts have pointed out that while the Chargers have enjoyed success thus far, they have yet to face a top-tier offense or quarterback. Notably, four of their wins have come against teams with offenses ranked 24th or lower, as they have encountered four of the six least efficient passing teams in the league.
Among the nine quarterbacks the Chargers have battled, none rank in the top 10 for passer rating. This will change drastically over the next five weeks as they gear up to confront elite quarterbacks, including Burrow (third), Lamar Jackson of Baltimore (second), and Baker Mayfield of Tampa Bay (sixth). “These matchups reveal your true self, both competitively and mentally. They test your resolve against a strong offensive presence, particularly with a quarterback of Burrow’s caliber,” linebacker Khalil Mack noted following a recent 27-17 victory over Tennessee.
To date, the most highly ranked quarterbacks defeated by the Chargers include Jameis Winston from Cleveland (28th) and rookie Bo Nix from Denver (29th). Burrow is not just an elite passer; he leads the league with 358 attempts, 246 completions, and 2,672 yards, coupled with an impressive passer rating of 108.1.
The Chargers have excelled in both pressuring quarterbacks and maintaining solid coverage, yet this week will put their abilities to a stern test against Burrow and the Bengals. According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, Burrow ranks fifth in yards per throw and holds the fourth-best passer rating against split safety coverages this season, a strategy the Chargers employ the second most in the league.
Furthermore, Ja’Marr Chase has accumulated 795 of his 981 receiving yards against zone coverage, and the Chargers rely on a zone strategy on 83.7% of their passing plays, the third-highest in the league. Chase also leads all players in touchdowns (seven) and yards after catch (462). On Wednesday, Burrow acknowledged that Chase’s versatility and comprehension of coverages have significantly enhanced his performance. “He’s mastered the subtleties of zone coverage, understanding where he needs to be and when. Defenses can’t just focus on him in one spot,” Burrow remarked.
Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton, who has firsthand experience of Chase’s abilities from their high school days and time at LSU, understands the threat he poses. Fulton is expected to return after a two-game absence due to a hamstring injury. “He can make plays anywhere. We need to be aware of his positioning and how they intend to utilize him. It’s a team effort in the secondary; we can’t afford any breakdowns like we’ve seen against other teams,” Fulton cautioned. “We’re ready for the challenge; it’s what we thrive on, and it gives us more chances to shine on the field.”
In recent weeks, the Chargers’ defense has particularly benefited from a strong pass rush, recording 18 sacks in the last three games with the majority achieved without blitzing. Second-year linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu has made a mark as well, contributing all 5.5 of his sacks over this stretch. “We’ve shown tangible progress. Every moment counts, and we need to keep pushing ourselves,” Dupree remarked about the pass rush’s effectiveness. “Opponents will try various tactics to counter us, but we need to capitalize on one-on-one opportunities and bring our best efforts.”