Chargers News: PFF Predicts LA Defense Unlikely to Progress

A bold claim if there ever was one.

Pro Football Focus included some interesting takes on what could happen with this current Chargers team in a list of preseason predictions for each NFL team this year. 

For 2023, one of the main predictions for the roster included the defensive unit for the Bolts not progressing at all, despite their personnel in both talent and coaching identity. 

"Despite Brandon Staley being hired because he was a coaching disciple of the league’s hottest defensive scheme, the Chargers' defense has failed to come together as an elite unit under his stewardship. In two years under Staley, the defense has ranked 27th in expected points added per play and only climbed one spot year-over-year. There have been significant resources spent and key players brought in, but the sum of the parts has yet to improve."

via Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus

Despite carrying the most expensive defense in all of football, the results haven't been there for the Chargers' defensive-minded head coach Brandon Staley. 

In fact, some of these shortcomings from the former Rams' defensive coordinator have some in league circles questioning the job security of the 40-year-old head coach. 

Despite losing star corner J.C. Jackson and pass rusher Joey Bosa to injuries during the regular season, the collapse against the Jaguars in the Wild Card game can only be put on the defense for breaking more than bending after a 27-point lead to start the first half. 

One of these defensive pieces is Asante Samuel Jr., who grabbed three picks in the Bolts' eventual playoff loss but is already turning heads in camp to improve this season. 

The Chargers' defense and the rest of the roster still have much to prove headed into 2023 if they want to truly contend among the AFC's elite competition across the conference.