The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes that the defense feels like they can go into any environment and control the game.
The engine powering the Chargers to an 11–6 record this season has been their defense.
Jesse Minter’s unit has been among the NFL’s top defensive groups for the second straight year, but this season has felt different — for both players and coaches.
"We feel like we're capable of walking in anywhere and winning,” Minter said.
That belief has become the defense’s identity.
But when did it start?
“It started as soon as we found out we were going to have the most miles traveled over the whole year,” linebacker Daiyan Henley said. “We knew we were going to be a road team… So we go on this road, and we prepare ourselves for any type of condition, and we try to make sure that we're war warriors trying to get the job done.”
Being a “road warrior” is the mentality they’re carrying into Foxborough, where they’ll face a New England Patriots team riding high in its first season under head coach Mike Vrabel.
Quarterback Drake Maye has completed 72% of his passes for 4,394 yards, with 31 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
“Just having an MVP caliber year,” safety Tony Jefferson said. “Good, good ballplayer. Always looking downfield to make a plays. He has an opportunity to make explosive plays at any point in time. So we've got to be great in coverage.”
Maye’s growth has been undeniable, especially with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels back in the fold. McDaniels has simplified the offense and surrounded the young quarterback with reliable weapons.
Those weapons include rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, tight end Hunter Henry, and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The former Buffalo Bills receiver surpassed 1,000 yards this season after returning from a torn ACL suffered last year in Houston.
Diggs has shown he remains one of the league’s most dynamic receivers.
“Special player,” cornerback Donte Jackson said of Diggs. “I'm saying he doesn't really let anything fluster him, any defense, any press coverage, or anything. He really can do it all from all positions on the field.”
Jordon Kelly-The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) celebrates after play during a NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles on. Monday December 08, 2025 at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
The Chargers defense has proven itself on the road this season, earning wins in Brazil, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Dallas, and Miami.
They went 5-1 in the division, holding offenses led by Bo Nix and Patrick Mahomes to fewer than 21 points in all four matchups.
“I think if you're a competitor like I know everybody in this building is, you can beat any body anywhere,” defensive tackle Teair Tart said. “Shit, it is what it is.”
It hasn’t been flawless.
The defense endured lapses, including allowing more than 400 yards and 38 points to Daniel Jones and the Indianapolis Colts, while giving up three rushing touchdowns to Jonathan Taylor.
Four weeks later, during a three-game winning streak, they received another wake-up call just before the bye week with a 35–6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, surrendering four rushing touchdowns to three different players.
“Anytime you get punched in the mouth, it's a wake up call,” Tart said. “We knew what we have. We know the type of players we got. We just had to play to that standard. And I think that's something we put a large emphasis on.”
Since returning from the bye, the defense has been on a mission: tighten up in the red zone, eliminate explosive plays, and get the ball back to Justin Herbert.
They forced Jalen Hurts into five turnovers, held Kansas City to one touchdown, and shut out Dallas in the second half after allowing 17 points early.
“We trust each other,” Tuli Tuipulotu said. “It's a different. Different atmosphere. We are all connected and we're all bonding, man, and I feel like stuff like that carries us on the field.”
This marks the second straight season a Jim Harbaugh–led Chargers team is heading into the playoffs in a hostile environment.
Last year’s trip to Houston didn’t go as planned, with the offense struggling mightily, but several players say valuable lessons were learned.
“Understanding how they were able to attack, especially that second half defensively, but understanding that it was on us saying to get it done up front and on the back end defensively, you got to travel,” Mack said. “You can't give the offense, too much momentum at home and I feel like that's something I learned personally, but I feel like we all learned that as a team.”
Cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, who were rookies last season, described last year’s 32–12 loss as eye-opening.
“It really is a 60 minute fight,” Still said. “So really settle in, take it one play at a time, and really just had to be detailed. That's the biggest thing, I think, detailed in work, detailed in preparation, and making it meaningful.”
“It is football at the end of the day, still got to lace them up and go out there and play,” Hart said.
With temperatures expected in the low 30s and a chance of rain, national media have questioned whether the Chargers can win at Gillette Stadium.
Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker, Del'Shawn Phillips (53) celebrates a fumble recovery during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 9, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.
The players don’t see it that way.
“That's playoff football,” cornerback Donte Jackson said.
They understand exactly what awaits them Sunday night.
“It's a hostile environment,” rookie Jamaree Caldwell said. “Everybody knows the Patriots are going to be cold. I feel like when it's cold, the battle is won in the trenches.”
One point Chargers players repeatedly emphasized this week was keeping things simple and not trying to do too much.
The defense will be relied upon to create turnovers and rattle Maye. If the game comes down to that side of the ball, the Chargers like their chances.
“Focusing on being where our feet at, making sure we get the Patriots everything we got,” Mack said.
Category: General Sports
