The Chargers defensive line entered Week 3 on the heels of a standout performance against the Titans. Looking to continue this trend, the bolts in blue had a tough task against a strong Vikings passing game including Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, and rookie Jordan Addison. To shut these stars down, the front four had to wreak havoc, and that is exactly what they did.
Chargers Defensive Line Shows Out Against the Vikings
Interior Defensive Lineman Showing Life Against A Weak Vikings Interior
Sebastian Joseph-Day
Leading the way for the Chargers interior was Sebastian Joseph-Day, who had one of his best games in a Chargers uniform. Known as a standout run defender, Joseph-Day recorded four stops, tying Kenneth Murray. The former Rutgers standout also recorded three tackles, a hurry, a hit, one sack, and three pressures.
Joseph-Day has been a vocal leader for this team but is really now showing it on the field. This Week 3 contest can be the catalyst to a breakout year for the 28-year-old defensive tackle.
Morgan Fox
Morgan Fox has been a very productive pass rusher for the Chargers defensive line, being a surprising pickup from a year ago. Fox was a former teammate with the aforementioned Sebastian Joseph-Day and a former understudy of now-head coach Brandon Staley.
Against the Vikings, Fox showed why he earned his two-year extension as a designated pass rushing 3 technique that can also line up in the 4i. Fox had three tackles, one sack, two hits, and a stop. The Garett Bradbury-less Vikings offensive line led to Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins being under constant duress from the interior of the Chargers, led by Fox and Joseph-Day.
Charger Edge Rushers Showing Dominance Along the Defensive Line
Tuli Tuipulotu
Just like last week, the rookie second-round selection, Tuli Tuipulotu was once again a stud for this Chargers defensive line. The rookie standout had an insane Week 3, wreaking havoc on Cousins over and over again.
The 21-year-old USC product showed out in his relief role over Joey Bosa, as Bosa has been playing sparingly due to an injury he suffered. In Tuipulotu’s newfound snaps, he had a day against a very strong offensive tackle duo of the Vikings.
Going up against Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill isn’t an easy task, but Tuipulotu made it look like it was. According to PFF (who count half sacks as whole sacks), the Chargers rookie standout recorded three sacks, three hurries, three hits, three tackles, and three stops.
The Chargers have selected a new dominant pass rusher, Tuipulotu will likely be the long-term solution at edge rusher, as the current starting duo will likely be moved on sooner rather than later.
According to next gen stats, Tuli Tuipulotu in week three was over a FULL second UNDER the league average in average separation from QB.
"average pressure distance from the QB at the time of the passer throw or sack (in yards)" pic.twitter.com/CNfJwh7rco— Nate Gosney (@NateGosney) September 25, 2023
Joey Bosa
Joey Bosa has been banged up, which is not new for him or the Chargers team, but even with this injury, Bosa is playing and showing out. Bosa rushed the passer 21 times, less than half of Mack’s total.
During these pass rush snaps, Bosa had two tackles, a sack, and a hurry. It seems as if Bosa is in a designated pass-rush situation role, which is his most effective. The team of Bosa, Tuipulotu, and Mack has slowly become a strength of this team, and will likely help the Chargers fight for a playoff spot in 2023.
Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack has been forced to be the lead edge rusher for the Chargers, as they are starting a rookie and Bosa is playing banged up. The mainstream media has been quiet about Mack, but his production has been coming in other ways than just sacks.
Mack as a run defender has been dominant, and he’s starting to heat up as a pass rusher. Against the Vikings, Mack recorded five tackles, two hits, three hurries, and a stop. Doing this while getting double-teamed and being the focus of the Vikings protections.
All in all, this Charger pass rush has been completely dominant after their week one showing. Once Bosa is fully healthy, look for the front four to really get it clicking on all cylinders. Beyond the starters, guys like Chris Rumph, Austin Johnson, Scott Matlock, and Nick Williams will all play a role in keeping the standout group fresh.
Main Photo: Brad Rempel – USA Today Sports
