While quarterback Justin Herbert and coach Jim Harbaugh command most of the attention on the Los Angeles Chargers, coordinator Jesse Minter’s turnaround of the defense has gone under the radar. Sunday’s 26-8 victory over the New Orleans Saints marked the second time this season the defense has not allowed a touchdown. It's the first time since 2013 that the Bolts (4-3) have not given up a TD in two of their first seven games.
The unit is allowing a league-low 13 points per game. It has given up just nine touchdowns, the second-lowest total in franchise history through seven games. “It feels like we have the script sometimes.
It’s like whatever they’re running, we’re prepared for,” safety Derwin James said after Sunday's game. “We just play our rules. We play fast, just get to the ball and don’t overthink stuff.
You see the results we’re getting.” Minter was the defensive coordinator for two years at the University of Michigan and was one of nine assistants to join Harbaugh when he was named the Chargers' coach after leading the Wolverines to a national title last season. After the Chargers allowed Arizona to kick a game-winning field goal on the final play last Monday night, the defense was determined to keep the Saints out of the end zone on the final play, even though victory was already certain.
New Orleans got to run a play with no time on the clock after a roughing-the-passer penalty. The Saints could not convert when Jake Haener’s pass to Chris O.