Chargers' hard-hitting linebacker Denzel Perryman faces a two-game suspension. His aggressive style crosses the line, impacting the team's playoff push.
Los Angeles Chargers LB Denzel Perryman, who has earned himself a reputation for big hits on defenders, took things a little too far against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. At least, according to the NFL.
You might've remembered one particular play, which I believe Perryman picked a personal foul penalty for, when Perryman launched himself at a "defenseless receiver" and collided helmet-to-helmet with Cowboys WR Ryan Flournoy:
Perryman has been one of the most interesting players to watch on the Chargers defense this season. Despite being primarily a run defender, Perryman has been asked to play both man and zone coverage against RBs, TEs and occasionally WRs. He hasn't done great, but he's been better than disastrous and he obviously tries hard.
The reasons the Chargers live with his less-than-stellar pass defense is because 1) he's fantastic against the run 2) he always seems to be there to make a big stop in a big moment and 3) his big, terrifying hits actually do have an impact.
I don't mean that the hits that you can hear echoing around SoFi Stadium are worth more than a tackle on the stat sheet, but Perryman has made throwing the ball short and over the middle against the Chargers a very dangerous proposition. Almost like an old school Safety, Perryman puts the thought of pain and misery into the mind (and heart) of receivers before they catch a ball anywhere near him.
Which is to say, in 2025 terms, that Perryman rides the line between dirty player (which he is accused of being in the above tweet) and veteran enforcer. Putting aside my own opinions, that is something that the Chargers are going to miss if Denzel misses games against the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos to end the regular season.
On the depth chart behind Perryman is Troy Dye, who started next to Dayan Henley when Perryman missed five games earlier this season. He would likely get the bulk of the assignment again in his absence.
The Chargers went 3-2 in weeks 2-6, when Perryman missed five games with an ankle injury, which also marked the worst time of the season for their rush defense.
If the Chargers could find a way to go 2-0 in these next two games, they'll find themselves AFC West champions and possibly in the #1 seed in the AFC.
Denzel Perryman is expected to appeal this penalty, which could potentially reduce it or maybe get it pushed to a later date.