The Chargers' defense was mostly flawless during the second half of 2025. With a new defensive coordinator coming in, can they pick up where they left off and perhaps get even better?
After week 7 this season, the Chargers' defense went on a tear, improving across many statistical categories and vaulting the team into the playoffs. The new hire at defensive coordinator will have a lot to work with. How can they hit the ground running for the entirety of 2026 and have an even more consistent season? One thing that will be in place is a new defensive coordinator after their man was scooped up by the Ravens. As much fanfare as the Mike McDaniel hire is getting on offense, the defense more than held its own all year and held the Super Bowl-bound Patriots to 16 points in the playoffs.
The tale of the tape
Following their bye week, the Chargers' defense never allowed more than 20 points, and this led to them finishing withsome eye-popping statistics as a unit. They were top five in third-down defense, red-zone scoring, yards allowed, and first downs.
Divisional dominance
On the strength of this intimidating defense, the Chargers dropped only one division game all season. The loss came in the last week of the season to the Broncos, with several starters resting. A Derwin James Jr. interception ended the Chiefs' playoff chances for good. James Jr., along with Del'Shawn Phillips, became All-Pros together on defense and special teams, respectively. Phillips became a special-teams ace and posted a Chargers franchise record of 24 special-teams tackles. Tony Jefferson and Donte Jackson combined for eight interceptions combined.
Rushing the passer
Tuli Tuipulotu menaced quarterbacks all year to the tune of an even 13 sacks. Good for top six in the NFL. His 20 tackles for loss ranked 5th in a breakout campaign that earned him a Pro Bowl nod. The departing defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, used the blitz on a low 21.4% of plays. This allowed for stunts instead, which kept quarterbacks guessing all year long. Combined with their 80.7% reliance on zone coverage, the defense was outstanding at keeping the ball in front of them.
Room for growth
The run defense was an issue all year, especially before the mid-season turnaround. That's why it was so important that they locked up Teair Tart to a long-term deal. In terms of run defense grade, he was graded at 74.4 by Pro Football Focus, improving on an impressive score above 70 in 2024. Hopefully, they can add pieces around him and continue the momentum from the second half of 2025 up front as well.