The Los Angeles Chargers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season.
People expected them to take a step forward from their performance in 2024, but not many predicted the way that they’d do it to this point.
The Chargers were said to employ a run-first offense, considering the addition of first-round running back Omarion Hampton and veteran Najee Harris, but Justin Herbert has been slinging the ball more than anything.
Their defense has also been much better than initially advertised, allowing just 21 points to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 and 9 to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.
A lot of their defensive success has been attributed to Jim Harbaugh, who is entering his second year with the team, but there has been another largely unsung hero who could be getting more credit.
Peter Schrager noted this in a recent post on X, giving LB coach NaVorro Bowman props for the way the linebackers “fly all over the field.”
A takeaway from last night’s Chargers defensive performance– their linebackers fly all over the field. They were everywhere.
The unit’s coach? NaVorro Bowman. Harbaugh hired the four-time All-Pro as LB Coach in 2024 and the unit has absolutely flourished under his tutelage. pic.twitter.com/VSkG1DeFkZ
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) September 16, 2025
This was especially evident in Week 1 against the Chiefs, as they weren’t able to establish much of a rushing attack, and Patrick Mahomes was under duress all game.
If this strong defense continues, it could spell trouble for the rest of the AFC, as both sides of the ball are starting to put it together in Los Angeles.
They’ve already faced a tough test and won, and they’ll certainly have their hands full in Week 3 with the staunch Denver Broncos defensive unit.
NEXT: Stat Shows How Dominant Chargers Defense Was Against Raiders
