Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers Defense Receives Criticism
In 2024, the Los Angeles Chargers showed notable improvement under Jim Harbaugh, appearing to be ahead of schedule despite making some sacrifices to balance their long-term salary cap.
One of the key improvements seemed to be the team’s tackling on defense.
New coordinator Jesse Minter arrived and assembled a defense filled with players on short-term, prove-it deals like Poona Ford, alongside castoffs from other teams such as Elijah Molden, resulting in a top-five defense.
According to NFL.com’s Next Gen Stats, the Chargers significantly improved in tackling efficiency:
“The Chargers made significant strides in tackling efficiency in their first season under Harbaugh and Minter, rising from 17th in 2023 (87.0%) to eighth this year (88.0%). Four defenders had missed tackle rates under 10% (Derwin James 6.1%, Troy Dye 7.1%, Kristian Fulton 7.3%, Elijah Molden 8.9%), tied for the second most in the NFL (minimum 50 tackle attempts). However, the Chargers allowed the most yards per missed tackle (6.9), giving up an extra 6.9 yards per missed tackle, which was the highest in the league.”
This is impressive considering the challenges of integrating a new defense with a new coaching staff, especially with three of those four players becoming free agents soon.
The issue, however, lies in the league-worst figure for extra yards allowed per missed tackle. Allowing nearly a first down on each missed tackle is problematic and restrictive.
This could be a focus for the Chargers in the offseason. If the issue persists and other areas of the defense regress as opposing offenses adjust to Minter’s strategies, the unit could take a step back.
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