The Revamped Bolts Defensive Line
Heading into last season, the Los Angeles Chargers had big worries when it came to their defensive line, especially in their interior. Returning to the defensive line from the 2023 season were Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, and Scott Matlock. Fox was the only player out of the three to have some quality NFL experience. Newly signed head coach Jim Habraugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter would help out with the issue. The two were able to add Poona Ford and Teair Tart, two veterans who have shown flashes in their time in the league.
Ford saw a career year in numbers. He matched a career high in sacks with three, got his first interception of his career, and deflected five passes. On the other hand, Tart also saw similar success, logging 29 total tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, and one interception. All of a sudden, what was seen as a hole for the Chargers ended up being a strength. The Bolts, for the first time in a while, finished in the top half of the league in defending the run. This is in large part due to the improved defensive line.
During this offseason, the Chargers defensive line continued to see a shake up. Ford, off a career year, signed a long term contract with the Los Angeles Rams and Fox left the Bolts for the Atlanta Falcons. Fortunately, the Chargers were able to retain Tart and it is expected that he will be an even bigger part for the team in 2025. He has already made his presence felt in the offseason as he was busy recruiting newly signed free agents to the team.
The Chargers signed Tart’s former teammates Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones. Hand spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, where he spent some time with Tart. He is a great run stuffer who is looking to get starting snaps with the Bolts. Throughout his career, he has been further down the depth chart, but he has shown enough quality traits and will look to ascend with the Chargers. Jones was with Tart in Tennessee with the Titans before leaving for the Arizona Cardinals. He is coming off a career year where he finished with three sacks and 27 total tackles. At six-foot-three and 313 pounds, Jones looks to eat up gaps on the line.
Both of these players look to take their games to the next level with the Chargers, just like Ford and Tart last year. A sneaky player for Minter and the Bolts defensive line is second year player Justin Eboigbe. He did not play last season but has reportedly added 20 pounds of good muscle and could be an impact player for the Chargers. A strong defensive line will be crucial for Minter in 2025 if he wishes to recreate the team defensive success from last year.
