The Chargers produced one of the league's top defenses this past season.
And while there's belief that Jesse Minter can take this group to better heights next season, let's take a look back at where the Bolts defense shined.
Here are three key stats from the Chargers defense in 2024.
1. EPA per play
Overall, the Chargers finished first in points allowed per game (17.7) and 11th in yards allowed per game (324.4) in 2024.
But a look at some deeper stats showed that the Bolts were indeed a strong all-around unit all season long.
The Chargers finished fifth in defensive EPA per play (-0.054) and were also ninth in defensive DVOA, two metrics that go beyond the box score.
For context, the Bolts finished 24th in defensive EPA per play (0.019) in 2023, meaning the unit improved by 0.073 EPA per play over a season.
And the data also shows that the Chargers were stout against both the run and the pass.
The Bolts produced a defensive EPA per opponent rush of -0.124, which ranked ninth in the league. They were even better in EPA per dropback (-0.015), finishing fifth in the NFL.
Simply put, Minter's group was consistently good in 2024.
2. James brought the heat
While there were plenty of standouts on the 2024 Bolts defense, only one earned All-Pro honors.
That would be Derwin James, Jr., who was a Second-Team All-Pro selection at slot cornerback earlier this month.
And even though James is listed as a safety on the depth chart, he spent more time at slot cornerback (361) than at free safety (234) this season, according to Pro Football Focus. He also lined up in the box for 281 snaps.
James' presence near the line of scrimmage meant a heavier blitz rate, which led to a career-high 5.5 sacks.
The do-it-all defensive back also generated 21 quarterback pressures, according to Next Gen Stats, which was tied for the most among defensive backs in 2024.
3. No 1 in the red zone
One reason the Bolts led the league in points allowed per game.
They boasted the league top red-zone defense as opponents scored touchdowns just 45.0 percent of the time inside the 20-yard line.
The Bolts were also elite in goal-to-go situations, too, as opponents found the end zone just 61.11 percent of the time there, a stat that ranked third in the NFL.
Overall, the Bolts led the league in total red-zone (135) and goal-to-go (26) plays allowed.
