BOLTS REBOOT ‘D’ THAT WAS REBUILT
A year ago, the Chargers’ defense was rebuilt. Now, the group is thinking more about a reboot.
Sebastian Joseph-Day explained Monday that he believes increased familiarity will lead to increased performance.
“I think this year, that chemistry is built,” the veteran defensive tackle said. “Chemistry is built through trials and tribulations. I really believe that that is going to shape us in a way better way moving forward.”
Last offseason, JosephDay was part of a defensive overhaul that also included the additions of Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Kyle Van Noy and Bryce Callahan.
Despite the influx of proven play and experience, the Chargers still finished 20th in yards allowed and 21st in points surrendered. They were last in the NFL against the run, giving up an average of 5.4 yards per rush.
This offseason, their only veteran addition has been linebacker Eric Kendricks, who will take over for Drue Tranquill. The Chargers also haven’t re-signed Van Noy or Callahan and didn’t bring back Nasir Adderley, who decided to retire.
The group otherwise largely remains intact, that continuity something Joseph-Day suggested will make a difference in 2023.
“That’s what we have now because everyone’s kind of seen how each other plays,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing, the cohesion that’s come together.”
Joseph-Day likened the situation to a basketball team needing time to adjust to the various playing styles and differing strengths of its parts.
He also said he’s convinced the arrival of Kendricks, who spent the first eight years of his career with Minnesota before signing with the Chargers as a free agent, will help with the defensive communication.
“I think having Eric in there is definitely going to help us get those adjustments faster — less wasted time, less thinking,” JosephDay said. “He’ll be able to see that faster and get that communicated to us.
“That will help, honestly, everyone play faster. At the end of the day, you can’t play defense slow. The moment you’re a step behind or you miss something, that’s how you get got.”
The Chargers didn’t pursue re-signing Tranquill and instead turned to Kendricks, who head coach Brandon Staley has praised for his leadership and production while playing in a similar scheme with the Vikings.
While the bulk of their onfield personnel has remained the same, the Chargers have a new defensive coordinator. Former secondary coach Derrick Ansley took over in February for Renaldo Hill.
Staley will continue to call plays on game days and mastermind the defense, but Ansley has assumed an increased role. He last coordinated a defense at the University of Tennessee in 2020.
“He has this calm urgency about him that I really enjoy,” Joseph-Day said. “It’s intense, but it’s calm. It’s really interesting. I really like the mentality he’s bringing.”