Gus Bradley made a big impact on the Chargers' defense in 2017.
It was a priority for the Chargers to retain the defensive coordinator this offseason, allowing continuity to a unit looking to take their game to new heights in 2018.
As the Bolts get ready to close out their first week of training camp, Bradley detailed what he's expecting from the defense this season.
"I think (our) whole objective is that we want to play fast," he said. "Having a year under our belt and really understanding our principles, (the question is), can we play faster? Obviously, I think we're going to have more speed on the field — so that will help — but there is more to it than that. It's understanding the defense."
Although the pass defense finished the 2017 season ranked third-overall, one major thing to improve on in 2018 is defending the ground attack. The rush defense gave up 4.9 yards per attempt in 2017. In turn, the team looked to the draft to bolster their defense – spending the first four picks on defensive players – in effort of righting the ship. According to Bradley, he feels these younger players are coming along nicely.
"We have some young players that have been pretty impressive, like Kyzir White, Derwin (James), Justin Jones and guys like that who will maybe get a chance to get on the field and play some. How fast can they play? We know they're pretty fast as far as their timed 40s (40-yard dashes), but there is that game-speed you're looking (for). I think that will be the most interesting thing, how fast can we become as a defense and can we stop the run?"
For veteran linebacker Denzel Perryman, he believes what the defense has been working on during camp will translate to positive production in the regular season.
"I mean, just the way we're practicing right now, with the 'thud' up thing, we're getting a lot of good shots. Occasionally, our defensive nature makes us bring down somebody, but we're just learning how to practice, getting ready to go into game mode. If you're watching how we're doing it now, game days will be 10 times better."
Chargers Training Camp has kicked off! **Click here** for information on attending one of the several open practices between July 28 and August 23. To celebrate football being back, we're giving away two 2018 season tickets! **Click here** to enter for your chance to win.
Click through some of the best moments from Day 6 at Training Camp!
