The 2021 Chargers are fourth against the pass but rank last in rushing yards permitted. Only two teams have surrendered a higher conversion rate on third down.
Among the 10 worst defenses in average points allowed per game, the Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders are the only teams with winning records.
Still, Staley said he’s encouraged given the schedule the Chargers have played and how the defense is trending nine games into the season.
“I’m proud of our guys because I think that we’re improving,” he said. “As a coach, you know what you see on a daily basis and you know the way it should look. It’s getting closer to being that way.”
The most consistent issue has been a run defense that has allowed three 100-yard rushers. Seven of the Chargers’ past eight opponents have run the ball at least 30 times, helping lead to some glaring disparities in time of possession.
But in their three most recent games, the Chargers have limited the opposition to 3.8 yards per carry. On Sunday against Minnesota, they had three tackles for loss against the run.
Forcing negative plays has been one of Staley’s recent points of emphasis, the logic being that pushing the offense backward would lead to longer third-down situations.
Of the Vikings’ 14 third downs, nine required them to gain at least seven yards. Six were 10 yards or more. The Chargers prevented Minnesota from converting six of its first seven third downs.
“I like the way that we are playing on third-and-five-plus,” Staley said. “... I’m optimistic about how we’re playing. I think that the product that we’re putting on the field is more of what I’m used to seeing.”
