The Chargers defense continues to roll heading into Week 11.
But there's no secret the unit will face one of their toughest challenges yet on Sunday night.
Coming off another game holding their opponent to fewer than 20 points, the Chargers defense hosts a high-flying Cincinnati offense that has provided fireworks through the air so far in 2024.
And the unit led by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is quite the handful.
"It's sleepless nights," Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said about preparing for the Bengals. "Ja'Marr Chase, Joe Burrow ... that tandem, I don't know if there's anybody playing better."
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh added: "Huge challenge."
The offense has been the Bengals' driving force so far this season — and you don't have to look to far back to see why.
They've relied heavily on Burrow, who is coming off a 428-yard, four-touchdown performance in a one-point loss to the Ravens in which they scored 34 points last Thursday night. It is their sixth time in 10 games scoring at least 25 points.
The fifth-year quarterback now leads the NFL in passing yards (2,672), is tied for first in passing touchdowns (24) and second in passer rating (108.1). He also leads the league in completions (246) and passing attempts (358).
With the Bengals averaging just 89.7 rushing yards per game (which ranks 29th in NFL) a lot of their offense has been Burrow dropping back and slinging it.
Members of the Bolts defense know what he's capable of and are on high alert this Sunday.
"Joe Burrow is just a quarterback that's in complete control, has a really good understanding of how you're trying to play him, sees the coverages well," Minter said. "Not a whole lot of trick-ems going on with Joe, he's such an elite player, elite quarterback."
Bud Dupree, who has gone up against the quarterback three times in his career, added: "I've been playing Joe since he came in the league. One of those guys you can never count out. He's mobile, one of the better passers in the NFL right now. He is a tremendous athlete in general. Can't count him out in any aspect."
The new state-of-the art studio at the Chargers' recently opened training facility and corporate headquarters – The Bolt – delivers a wide range of content creation opportunities for the team's in-stadium production unit, digital media team and outside media outlets alike.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers content studio is photographed on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Chargers Weekly podcast is recorded is photographed on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
As much attention as the Chargers defense has on Burrow, the same is needed for his favorite target in Chase.
The fourth-year wideout put together one of the best games of his career last week with 11 receptions for 264 yards and three touchdowns.
On the season, he's been just as impressive leading the league in receptions (66), receiving yards (981) and touchdowns (10).
"A great player that gets open and makes plays, huge plays," Harbaugh said about Chase. "Run after the catch, catching ability, all those things. One of the very best in the game."
As Harbaugh mentioned, what he's able to do after the catch is just as threatening to a defense.
According to Next Gen Stats, Chase leads the NFL in yards after the catch (462) this season and since entering the NFL, the LSU product has produced the second-most yards after catch (2,107).
"He's elite at all three [levels]," Minter said. "He has the ability to take the bubble and go 70 [yards]. He has the ability to catch the dig over the middle, split the defense, go 70. Then he has the ability to take the top off the defense and go 70.
Cornerback Tarheeb Still added: "He definitely has the ability to make you miss. You have to play tight coverage, contest every catch and if he does catch it, you have to tackle because he has the ability to break away after the catch and make a big play."
Perhaps few, if any, in the Chargers facility knows the Bengals star receiver more than cornerback Kristian Fulton.
Fulton, who was on LSU's National Championship team alongside Burrow and Chase in 2019, goes way back with the receiver as the two attended Archbishop Rummel High School in Louisiana prior to their college days.
The Bolts cornerback is well aware of what he can do on the field.
"He can make plays anywhere on the field – short, medium, deep," Fulton said about Chase. "It's on us pre snap to know where his alignments are and how they're trying to get him the ball. That's going to be key but we just have to do it in practice."
Check out the best photos from the first practice of Week 11 on Wednesday at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
The Los Angeles Chargers practice on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
But Fulton also pointed out another member of the Bengals receiving core that could be making his return Sunday night that is very dangerous in his own right.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins hasn't played since Week 7 but has been a limited participant in both Cincinnati practices this week.
The veteran wideout has played in just five games this year, but has a proven connection with Burrow that the Bolts know could be a challenge if he suits up.
"Different body type, different receiver. It's going to be a challenge for the whole back end," Fulton said. "Sometimes it's going to be 1-on-1, but everybody has to hold their part. It's going to be a whole back-end type of thing to make sure we don't have any busted coverages. We have to make them earn everything. That's our mindset."
Minter added about Higgins: "Tee is a matchup problem. Size, radius, length, ability to go up and get the deep ball. Then also, a guy that can do it all, big body, slants, digs, runs all the routes… Once again a challenge that we're excited about."
Fulton himself has missed the last two games, but said Wednesday he felt like was "at 100" percent.
He, the rest of the secondary and defense as a whole are ready for the challenge of slowing down Burrow, Chase and the Bengals offense in Sunday's primetime showdown and continue their impressive defensive performance.
"Most people call him the best receiver in the league," Fulton said about Chase. "It's a challenge for us to show we can handle that. I'm up for it. We're up for it."
He later added: "[Burrow and Chase] on fire right now with their connection. We know they're going to throw the ball and that's what you live for as a defensive back. We still have to do our part in the run game, but we know they're going to air it out and that's more opportunities for us to make plays."
