Camp takeaways: Chargers' defense getting up to speed

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The Chargers’ defense is beginning to take shape, with the linebacking corps, anchored by All-Pros Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, standing out Friday as the first week of training camp nears its end.

Some takeaways from Day 3:

A look at the Chargers’ defense

When Jim Harbaugh left the University of Michigan to become the Chargers’ head coach, he brought along his defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.

Minter, who previously coached in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, said readjusting to the league hasn’t been any different since he’s again working with Harbaugh.

“Training camp right now feels like training camp last year with Harbaugh,” Minter said. “With him, you kind of know how it’s going to go and how practice is going to be designed.”

Minter’s approach for the defense is to continue acclimating the players while guiding them to where they need to be before the preseason. The last few days have heavily focused on installing schemes.

“Guys have retained a lot of information that we gave them during the offseason,” Minter said. “That has really helped us get off to a fast start.”

Minter noted a palpable hunger on the defensive side. The secondary group has shown high energy, and he sees a strong drive with the linebacking corps, especially Mack and Bosa.

“I am really happy with where they are at and look forward to progressing them further,” Minter said. “I think the depth in that room will help both of those guys.”

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Bosa still in his prime

Heading into his ninth season, Bosa’s health remains a lingering topic, as injuries have kept him off the field for significant parts of the last two seasons.

In the first few days of camp, Bosa has focused on shaking off the rust while regaining his timing and elusiveness in pass rushing.

Bosa mentioned he has extra motivation coming into camp, feeling that people have forgotten his caliber of play. Although that isn’t his primary motivation, he is committed to returning to the field healthy and ready to make a difference.

“I like how I am feeling physically,” Bosa said. “I’m pretty confident that my best years are still ahead of me. I still have a few more years left of my physical prime.”

Over the last couple of seasons, Bosa has been plagued by injuries, including a groin tear in 2022 and a sprained right ankle that sidelined him for the last seven games of the 2023 season, along with “a million little things that added up.”

“It’s been tough for the team and for me going through these injuries, especially last year,” Bosa said.

Bosa has found a silver lining in his missed time, noting that the rest over the last two years has resulted in less mileage on his body. He said his groin has fully recovered and is “feeling better than it ever has.”

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Development of Daiyan Henley

Beyond the dynamic duo of Mack and Bosa as well as the addition of the returning Denzel Perryman, the Chargers still have a position battle for a starting job in their impressive linebacking corps.

Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson and Nick Niemann all have a chance to secure that final spot.

Minter particularly highlighted Henley’s development, praising his athletic ability and saying, talent-wise, the sky’s the limit. Furthermore, Minter has been impressed with how Henley has progressed during the offseason after his rookie year.

“I am happy with where he is at and look forward to seeing him keep progressing,” Minter said.

Henley’s work alongside the veterans, especially Perryman, has allowed him to get up to speed.

“To put him next to a veteran, a vocal guy, a guy with a lot of leadership qualities and a really good player will only help him,” Minter said.