Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Los Angeles Chargers defense utilizes a 3-4 / 4-2-5 base scheme under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Los Angeles Chargers Defense?

The Los Angeles Chargers are having a solid 2025 season defensively, currently ranked #9 in points allowed. Statistically, they are allowing 3.0 fewer points than the league average, which is a solid mark.

In the AFC West, they trail the Denver Broncos (#3) and Kansas City Chiefs (#6) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Las Vegas Raiders (#25) to round out the division.

They have struggled to generate consistent pressure or negative plays. To make matters worse, they struggle to force turnovers, limiting their ability to flip the field.

5
Total Sacks
1
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (1 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Their success in 2025 is primarily because of the defensive play of Daiyan Henley, who has been a standout performer, contributing 103 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Additionally, Da'Shawn Hand has been a solid contributor with 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 interception, adding depth to the unit.

What is the Los Angeles Chargers defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Jesse Minter

The Los Angeles Chargers defense runs a 3-4 / 4-2-5 under coordinator Jesse Minter.

Base Defensive Front
3-4 / 4-2-5
?
3-4 Front (Two-Gap)
Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

Jesse Minter brings the Michigan/Ravens disguised pressure package.

Key Principles

DisguiseSimulated PressurePhysicality

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
  • ✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
  • ✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
  • ⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
  • ⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Los Angeles Chargers Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
0.6/g
Turnovers
POOR
0.2/g
Aggression
POOR
0.4/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
0.6
POOR
They disrupt the offense 0.6 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
0.2
POOR
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.2 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
0.4
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 0.4 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Los Angeles Chargers defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Surging
16.0 PPG(Last 3)
They are allowing -4.0 fewer points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Los Angeles Chargers defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
LB
Bud Dupree
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 13
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
S
Kendall Williamson
Safety
QuestionableJan 13
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Junior Colson
Linebacker
Injured ReserveAug 27
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DT
Josh Fuga
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveAug 6
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Jordan Oladokun
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 16
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Nikko Reed
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJan 4
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Eric Rogers
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 28
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
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