The Chargers’ defense hadn’t been at its best entering Week 8 against the Vikings, especially at getting after the quarterback. But the resurgent pass rush on Thursday night was a key component of their overall defensive dominance at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles got to QB Carson Wentz early and often throughout the game, pressuring him 29 times and sacking him five times. With very little time to throw, Wentz averaged just 3.6 yards per pass.
It was a collaborative effort, with edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu leading the group with six pressures and a sack. Tuipulotu has been a force to be reckoned with this season, up to 42 pressures, which ranks second in the NFL, and six sacks.
Behind Tuipulotu was Khalil Mack, who had five pressures and a sack. After playing only 12 snaps in Week 7 against the Colts as he worked his way back from the elbow injury he sustained in Week 2, Mack returned to a heavier workload and made his presence felt.
The other member of the positional room, Odafe Oweh, had three pressures and a sack. After not posting a single sack in the first five games with the Ravens before being traded, Oweh has two sacks in the last three games.
The other contributor was defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe. Eboigbe led the team in sacks with two while adding four pressures. The Chargers have been needing an interior pass rush presence, and Eboigbe has stepped up in that role in his second season.
While the Vikings played their backup offensive tackles, the Chargers’ pass rush output was very encouraging to see, especially with the unit at full strength. They have another favorable matchup in their next game, set to face a Titans offensive line that has allowed the second-most sacks this season.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers’ pass rush finally comes alive in win over Vikings
Reporting by Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
