Chargers’ coaches taking advantage of defensive depth to start season
EL SEGUNDO — At several points during their 22-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, the Chargers had all four of their edge rushers on the field along with defensive lineman Morgan Fox, forming their defensive front. It was an unusual deployment, but it likely won’t be the last time it happens.
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is a big fan of playing as many deserving players as possible, even if it happens to look a little bit unorthodox. So, it wasn’t surprising to see Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree on the field along with starters Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack for several snaps Sunday.
It’s likely to be more of the same when the Chargers face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“Man, it just speaks to the creativeness of the coaches,” Mack said Thursday. “I’m talking about (head) coach (Jim) Harbaugh, coach Minter and I’m thinking about the GM (Joe Hortiz) and the players he’s bringing in. It just lets you know about the football minds up above and how they’re working at a high level.”
What’s more, Minter split the play-calling duties among three inside linebackers against the Raiders, with Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman and Junior Colson taking turns wearing a helmet with a communication device inside, the so-called green dot helmet. It’s likely to happen again this Sunday.
The Chargers’ depth is a defensive strength.
“When you have multiple good players at a position, to me, they all need to play,” Minter said. “So, at that position (inside linebacker), there were times we had one of them on the field, two of them on the field. They all have to have that capability of having the green dot and staying in there in some of those passing situations.”
Only one can wear a green dot helmet at a time, though.
“Huge credit to the equipment staff to have that ready,” Minter said.
Of the three inside linebackers sharing the play-calling (or play-relaying from the sideline, as is the case), Minter said, “I thought they did a great job. There was zero selfishness. It was all about what was best for us at the time. … I didn’t even remember half the time who I was talking to, so they did a great job.
“Major kudos to those guys and how well they played, as well.”
The edge rushers, also known as outside linebackers, combined with the inside linebackers plus the defensive linemen and the defensive backs to limit the Raiders to one touchdown and one field goal in the season opener at SoFi Stadium. Las Vegas gained only 71 yards on the ground.
Bosa tied safety Derwin James Jr. with a team-leading seven tackles, including one sack, and he also forced a fumble. Mack had three tackles, including 1½ sacks, sharing credit with Fox for one. Mack also recovered a fumble and tipped a pass that defensive lineman Poona Ford intercepted.
Henley had six tackles, Perryman five and Colson three.
“We played 17 (defensive) players at least 16 snaps in the game,” Minter said of last Sunday’s game. “I’d like to get that up to 18 or 19 (players against the Panthers). I just think that’s what’s going to make us better, playing with a lot of people. Hey, you practice really hard, you should get an opportunity to play.”
Said James of the Chargers’ deep bench: “I love it. It keeps guys fresh and we have a lot of ballers that can play from D.P. (Perryman) to Junior to Daiyan and then the rushers, Khalil, Bud, Tuli, Joey, so that’s a lot of guys who can make plays. It keeps everybody fresh. Definitely keeps them involved.
“They’re playmakers.”
Minter said repeatedly he was impressed by the Chargers’ unselfishness.
Apparently, no one complained about coming out of the game.
“It’s certainly easier when you win,” Minter said. “It’s different, probably, after a loss. Just pleased with everybody handling their rotations. I thought we were fresh when we needed to be. We were able to close out the game (with Ford’s fourth-quarter interception), so that’s the way we want to play this thing for a while.”
INJURY UPDATES
Bosa (back), safety Alohi Gilman (knee) and cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula) did not practice with their teammates. Perryman (thigh), running back Hassan Haskins (toe) and wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) were listed as limited participants on Thursday’s injury report.