Khalil Mack Describes What Makes Chargers Defensive Coordinator Special

The Los Angeles Chargers defense has taken the NFL by storm this season. They have allowed the fifth-fewest yards per game and the fewest points per game. Last season looked much different. They allowed an additional 80 yards per game and more than 10 points on average per game.

Of course, the team was completely rebuilt starting with a new head coach and new coordinators. On defense, they picked former Michigan DC, Jesse Minter.

Chargers DC Doesn’t Flinch

Coming out of the bye week, edge rusher Khalil Mack was asked what he has learned about Minter and his defense.

Man, he don’t flinch. He don’t Flinch and [that] definitely rubs off on us. So we don’t Flinch. Even when [an opposing] offense gets the big plays, we able to settle in and kind of understand what’s going on and how they want to attack us. He does a great job explaining it during the game and after the game. You kind of see it and it’s simple, the game is very simple

This creates a significant juxtaposition between this year’s defense under Minter and last year’s under Brandon Staley. In Staley’s defense, the players were asked to remember exponentially more rules which caused the defense to play slower and unconfidently due to processing they were asked to do.

He went on to describe what it means not to flinch;

“Sometimes you see certain tendencies and people, where if you going up against certain teams the energy shifts. It’s, “Uh oh, we got this. This is that. Let’s do it and that’s all. That’s all you can ask from a leader, being in that position — not flinching and staying calm and understanding the mission and our mission is to be great.”

The final sentiment of becoming great comes from Jim Harbaugh. It was his goal during what he called ‘opportunity week.’ And Mack mentions that several times during his locker room interview.

“All around [the defense] has been solid but we want to be great and in order to start for greatness you can’t really get complacent.”

More must-reads:

• Chargers Insider Identifies Perfect Trade Target
• Chargers Injury Update: ‘Questionable’ Starter Officially Active Vs. Broncos
• Los Angeles Chargers: 4 Reasons Why Week 6 Is A Must-Win Situation