2017’s edition of the Chargers’ run defense seemed like a distant memory through nine games this season.
After finishing second-worst in run defense last year, the Bolts had shown clear signs of improvement in stopping the ground game in 2018. Opposing running backs have not been racing up and around the defense like they were a season ago. L.A.’s upgraded rush defense was a big reason why the Chargers bolted their way to a 7-2 record this year.
But after L.A.’s 23-22 Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos, those haunting memories of running backs thriving against the Chargers are back, and might not leave for a while.