The Los Angeles Chargers look like a big problem for the rest of the NFL right now.
As anticipated, they have become a legitimate Super Bowl contender in their second year with Jim Harbaugh as head coach.
Notably, it also has a lot to do with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, whose unit has kept opponents in a chokehold in the first two games.
With that in mind, former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky used two interesting yet accurate words to describe that defense.
“I think the word ‘stifling’ is perfect. I’d also say ‘suffocating.’ The odd thing is, it’s a zone defense. … They don’t really drop the spots, they match routes. They match concepts. So you as a quarterback, you’re sitting there going, ‘There’s no one open.’ … That’s what makes it so difficult, and it forces patience, and it’s impossible to be patient, because at some point, you’re going to make a mistake,” Orlovsky said.
.@DanOrlovsky7 says the Chargers defense is "suffocating" this season ? pic.twitter.com/s4ys81sa8z
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 16, 2025
Safety Derwin James Jr. was all over the field in their Week 2 win against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite losing pass rusher Khalil Mack, they kept Raiders QB Geno Smith on his toes and forced him into interceptions.
Smith failed to connect on any of his passes beyond 10 yards, and they picked him off three times.
While the Chargers may not have the most prominent names in the game, their defense is full of playmakers and hard hitters who are rarely caught off guard.
Under Harbaugh, the Chargers have become an old-school football team.
They play a physical game on the trenches, dominating both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Then, they rely on their defense to flip the field and put the offense led by Justin Herbert in a position to succeed.
The Chargers are 2-0 for the year and in the AFC West, and a win against the Denver Broncos in Week 3 will cement Los Angeles as the team to beat in the division.
NEXT: Peter Schrager Raves About Key Chargers Coach
