NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense?

NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?

Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates his second interception with Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

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November 13, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Los Angeles Chargers

Notable additions: ILB Eric Kendricks
Notable losses: S Nasir Adderley, ILB Drue Tranquill
2022 scoring defense: 21st
2022 yards defense: 20th

Conventional wisdom tells me that the Chargers should be better than this, but last season, the results were just not there.

Their defense boasts some big names in Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Dervin James, and J.C. Jackson. Unfortunately, the star quartet was not enough to lift the unit collectively. Bosa and Jackson each played only five games due to injuries, and the team’s lack of depth came back to bite them.

The 2022 Chargers boasted one glaring weakness. Other teams ran the ball at will against them. The Chargers allowed a league-high 5.4 yards per carry last season. For perspective, that is the highest single-season mark since 1961.

With little roster turnover, it is difficult to project a huge leap in 2023.

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