The Los Angeles Chargers have seen immediate benefits from their recent acquisition of Odafe Oweh, who has quickly established himself as a valuable player on the defensive line. Since joining the team from the Baltimore Ravens last month, Oweh has recorded four sacks and 12 tackles in just five games.
Oweh”s performance stands out particularly in light of the team”s need for depth at the outside linebacker position, especially with the absence of likely Hall of Fame pass rusher Khalil Mack, who has been sidelined due to an elbow injury. Although Oweh had shown promise with the Ravens, he had not yet made a sack this season prior to his move to Los Angeles.
After the trade, the Chargers” pass rush experienced a resurgence, especially after Mack returned to the field from injured reserve on October 19. The coaching staff has expressed strong approval of general manager Joe Hortiz”s decision to acquire Oweh before the NFL trade deadline, considering it a significant upgrade to their defensive capabilities.
“It”s what wins in this league, the ability to affect the quarterback,” said Jesse Minter, the Chargers” defensive coordinator. “Having that edge room be a strength is something any coach would desire. Oweh has been a huge addition for us, enhancing the overall quality of our defense.”
With Oweh now in the lineup alongside Mack and rookie Tuli Tuipulotu, the Chargers have re-established a successful three-man rotation that had previously yielded positive results. Additionally, they have benefited from the unexpected rise of second-year defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, who has also contributed four sacks in the past six games.
As it stands, Tuipulotu leads the team with eight sacks, while Oweh, Mack, and Eboigbe each have four. Linebacker Daiyan Henley has added three sacks to the mix, and veteran Bud Dupree, who has played a vital role in depth during Mack”s absence, has one sack to his credit.
“Oweh has been productive and has often drawn attention away, allowing others to perform better as well,” Minter commented. “The way these four players, particularly the three on passing downs, have rushed the quarterback over the last several games represents the vision we have for the rest of the season.”
The Chargers currently enjoy a three-game winning streak and have triumphed in eight of nine games played with Mack on the field. Their only loss occurred in his first game back from injury.
In terms of individual accomplishments, Mack has joined the ranks of elite pass rushers, being one of only two players to achieve 35 sacks or more with three different teams since the statistic became official in 1982.
Furthermore, quarterback Justin Herbert is having a standout season, ranking third in the league with 19 touchdown passes in the first ten weeks. His next touchdown will mark the sixth consecutive season in which he has reached at least 20 touchdown passes to start his career, a milestone previously achieved by only Peyton Manning, Dan Marino, and Russell Wilson.
As the season progresses, the Chargers look to build on this momentum, especially as they prepare for upcoming matchups that could significantly impact their playoff aspirations.
