The Chargers Defensive Line: Final Grades

Joey Bosa And The Chargers Defensive Line. Photo Credit: Ryan Dyrud | The LAFB Network
Joey Bosa And The Chargers Defensive Line. Photo Credit: Ryan Dyrud | The LAFB Network

The Chargers Defensive Line: Final Grades

After a disappointing 5-11 finish to the 2019 season, the Los Angeles Chargers are left searching for answers. One of their many problems was their inability to stop the run. Their defensive line had an excellent pass rush at times but was far too inconsistent to help their turnover-prone offense. What follows is the end-of-season grade for the Chargers starting defensive line.

Joey Bosa, DE

The 2019 season was one of dominance for Bosa. He ended the year with an impressive 67 tackles and 18 tackles for loss. He terrorized quarterbacks all season with 11.5 sacks and 55 pressures. As a result of his accomplishments he was invited to his second Pro Bowl.

Final Grade: B+

Justin Jones, DT

Jones was a decent run-stuffer throughout the year but did not contribute even one sack for the Chargers defense. He finished the year with 30 tackles and two tackles for loss. He only pressured the quarterback six times and made contact with the signal-caller three times.

Final Grade: C

Jerry Tillery, DT

The rookie played decently but failed to live up to the hype as a first-round draft pick. He recorded just 17 tackles along with three for loss. He was one of their better pass rushers at defensive tackle, recording two sacks and pressuring the quarterback three times.

Final Grade: C-

Brandon Mebane, NT

The veteran nose tackle led the way against the run. He recorded 26 tackles with just one for a loss. He was not as effective as a pass rusher, having recorded one sack and pressuring the quarterback five times.

Final Grade: C+

Melvin Ingram, DE

Despite missing three games, Ingram was the team’s second-best pass rusher. He recorded seven sacks and pressured the quarterback 23 times. He recorded 48 tackles with 11 for a loss. He was not consistently dominant but he proved to be a terror for opposing offenses when healthy.

Final Grade: B

Final Thoughts

The Chargers defensive line played well on the edge and struggled in the middle and the statistics prove it. Despite having two of the best pass rushers in the NFL, the Chargers ranked 28th in the league with just 30 sacks. They also allowed 112.8 yards per game on the ground which ranked 15th in the NFL. In summary, they were too inconsistent to win many games for the team.

Final Overall Grade: C