2. Defense – S, CB, LB, DL
The Chargers are perhaps one of the only teams who can come close to the safety talent of the Denver Broncos. The Chargers’ back end is patrolled by All-Pro Derwin James and Nasir Adderley.
It’s a very good duo, however, James is quite injury-prone. The Broncos still have a clear advantage with Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons.
The cornerbacks are somewhat similar as well.
The Chargers cornerback room is highlighted by rookie Asante Samuel Jr. and Chris Harris Jr.
Michael Davis is a very good player as well, but the Broncos simply have more talent. Former Bronco Chris Harris Jr. is old and missed 7 games last year, and he’s probably their most talented cornerback.
Asante Samuel Jr is going to be a very good corner in the NFL, but the Broncos have their own rookie stud cornerback in Patrick Surtain II, so who’s the real winner here?
The Broncos’ secondary is the best in the league, bar none.
The Chargers have a very good linebacking duo of Kenneth Murray Jr. and Drue Tranquill. Both players are young and are very athletic for their positions.
Los Angeles probably has a brighter long-term outlook at the position, however, I won’t discount the talent of Justin Strnad and Baron Browning. We just haven’t seen a lot on the field quite yet.
The outside linebackers are highlighted by Joey Bosa, who is one of the better players at his position. This unit is also compromised of Uchenna Nwosu and Kyler Fackrell, who are both talented.
When healthy, the duo of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb is lethal, but we haven’t seen them play a lot together.
Von is getting old, and the long-term outlook on Bradley Chubb is currently unknown.
Advantage, Chargers.
The defensive line for the Chargers has both young and older talent. Linval Joseph is a savvy veteran. The former Viking is in his 10th year and is an absolute menace against the run.
Jerry Tillery is another one of their talented defensive linemen. He’s in a crucial third year and looks down on his opponents, standing at 6’6″.
However, this unit isn’t as deep or as talented as the Broncos. Dre’Mont Jones might be the best-kept secret in the NFL, and we have our own Linval Joseph in Mike Purcell.
The Broncos’ defensive line is highly underrated and one of the best in the league. Only a few teams have the talent to compete with the Broncos along the defensive front.
Advantage, Broncos.
So, for the defensive roster matchup, the Broncos have 3 positional advantages, while the Chargers have one, bringing the total to 6 advantages to the Broncos and 3 for the Chargers.
Time for special teams!