Fans of strong defensive football will have plenty to enjoy when the Los Angeles Chargers host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
The Chargers (5-3) are on a roll, having won two in a row and three of their last four games. They boast the best defense in the league, allowing just 12.6 points per game. They are also one of only six teams since 1990, and the first since the 2019 Patriots, to allow 20 or fewer points in each of their first eight games.
On the other hand, the Titans (2-6) have the top-ranked defense in the NFL in both total yards (269.1 yards per game) and against the pass (155.8 yards per game).
Tennessee’s defense had a big performance last Sunday in a 20-17 overtime win against New England, forcing a season-high three turnovers. Safety Amani Hooker was a key part of that effort, intercepting two passes, including one on the final play of the game. Hooker now has all three of Tennessee’s interceptions this season.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has been impressive as well, not throwing a single interception in his last six games.
“He’s getting the ball out quick,” Hooker said. “The receivers are getting open to the spots, you know, where he likes to make the throws, and he’s doing a good job of just not turning over the ball.”
Tennessee’s defense has been tough against the pass this season, holding seven of their eight opponents to fewer than 200 passing yards. This success is largely due to the pressure they’ve been able to put on opposing quarterbacks.
The Titans have recorded four sacks in each of their last two games. Outside linebacker Arden Key has been especially effective, with four sacks in the past three weeks.
In contrast, the Chargers’ offensive line has struggled, allowing a 39.7% quarterback pressure rate, the fourth-highest in the league. Herbert was sacked a career-high six times in last Sunday’s 27-10 win over Cleveland.
“They play a really sound scheme,” said Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman. “They like to try to squeeze you and keep everything in front of you and make you go the long way.”
The Chargers’ defense, led by coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter in their first season in Los Angeles, has improved significantly. They rank eighth in total defense (303.8 yards per game) and eighth against the run (107.9 yards per game).
“So far, it’s going well. But like I always say, it’s a week-to-week league. You can’t sit around going, ‘Hey, look where we’re at right now.’ We’re happy with where we’re at but always trying to find ways to get better,” Minter said.
One question for the Chargers is who they will face at quarterback for Tennessee. Will Levis has missed the last three games with a sprained AC joint in his right throwing shoulder, but he was a full participant in practice on Thursday. The Titans could also turn to Mason Rudolph as an option.
“It’s a challenge. You look at the film and get a bead on both guys. Double the work but better to be prepared,” said Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack.
