The Chargers have won two in a row after losing two in a row after winning two in a row after losing two in a row. So, what are we to make of them after Monday night’s 27-6 victory over the New York Jets? Well, here’s what we learned, what we heard and what comes next:
GETTING DEFENSIVE
The Chargers (4-4) held the Jets to two field goals after holding the Chicago Bears to 13 points during a 30-13 victory on Oct. 29 after limiting the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to only a touchdown in the second half of a 31-17 loss on Oct. 22. That’s only 26 points given up over the past 10 quarters.
To be sure, no one is going to confuse either the Jets (4-4) or the Bears (2-7) for Super Bowl contenders, but the Chargers’ defense has been on an impressive run lately. They’ve sacked quarterbacks the past two games, stuffed the opposition’s running game and limited big gains to only a handful.
Specifically, the play of outside linebackers Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack has been everything the Chargers anticipated when they acquired Mack from the Bears during the 2022 offseason. Bosa and Mack have become a forceful pass-rushing tandem, capably backed up by Chris Rumph II and Tuli Tuipulotu.
“The thing that Tuli, Joey and Khalil and Rumph have done a great job of is defending the edge in the run game,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “We have really, really played the edge position the way it needs to be played, and it’s been a big factor in our run defense.”
The Jets gained 64 yards on 20 carries, an average of 3.2 yards per attempt.
The Bears gained 73 yards on 25 carries, an average of 2.9 yards.
Last season, the Chargers gave up 5.4 yards per carry, the worst mark in the NFL.
Of the key elements of the Chargers’ defense, none might be more important than the fact that they are healthy at so many significant positions, but especially along the defensive line and among their pass-rushers. Last season, they were battered, bruised and bloodied throughout their defense.
Now, they’re healthy and clicking.
“Bingo,” Staley said.
ALLEN APPRECIATION
Wide receiver Keenan Allen topped 10,000 yards receiving for his career when he caught eight passes for 77 yards in the Chargers’ victory over the Jets. Only former tight end Antonio Gates has had more yards in a career with the Chargers than Allen, with 11,841 yards between 2003 and 2018.
Staley is not one to take Allen for granted or fail to be amazed by him.
“I think from afar, before I even got here, I was just such a big fan,” Staley said. “I think every coach is, but then every year I’ve been here I’ve had a great appreciation for how special he is. He’s got a really unique skill set. He’s so dedicated to his craft. I think offensive and defensive coaches know his ability to separate and set people up and how he understands leverage and how he understands coverages.
“He’s a lot bigger than people think. He’s 6-(foot-)3. He can do everything. He can play everywhere. He’s a clutch player. He’s a competitor. He’s a dog. I’m just so happy for him. To be a part of history, I think all of us know why he made history because everyone who’s been with him sees what he does on a day-to-day basis. He’s the ultimate standard of consistency.”
Staley recalled how, in his role as the overseer of the defense, he attempted to defend Allen during training camp, but then ditched his game plan and still failed to cover him adequately. Staley tried double-teams. He tried everything he could think of before “abandoning the mission.”
“It’s a testament to him,” Staley said.
WELCOME BACK
Wide receiver Jalen Guyton and defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia made their season debuts after beginning the season on the physically unable to perform list because of season-ending knee injuries suffered in 2022. They were activated for the first time after several weeks of practice.
Guyton was on the field for 33 of 58 offensive snaps, but didn’t catch a pass on two targets from quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw for a career-low 136 yards. Ogbonnia played 37 of 81 defensive snaps plus two more on special teams. He combined on three tackles, including one solo.
WHAT COMES NEXT
The Chargers have a short week to rest, recover and prepare before facing the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions (6-2) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. The Lions, coming off their bye week, have won four of five. Only the Philadelphia Eagles (8-1), Baltimore Ravens (7-2) and Chiefs (7-2) have better records.
