Welcome to Part 8 of our 2024 positional recaps, a series that will run through the next few weeks and highlight 11 Chargers position groups. We'll focus on key stats, memorable moments and look to what lies ahead in 2025.
The depth of the Chargers outside linebacker group was tested, but it was also one of the most experienced units on the team.
The duo of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa played their most games together as teammates this season as they spearheaded the group in Year 3 together.
Mack put together another strong season, finishing second on the Bolts with 6.0 sacks and leading the team in quarterback pressures with 54, according to Next Gen Stats. His 15-percent pressure rate was ninth-best among qualified defensive linemen.
The 33-year-old also had the fourth-best Pro Football Focus defense grade with a 90.4 and was as stellar as ever in the run game as well, as he finished the season with the second-highest PFF run defense grade among edge rushers at 88.0.
Meanwhile, Bosa displayed his toughness this season, battling through injuries to play in 14 games, his most since 2021.
His snaps were limited, especially during the middle of the season as he worked his way back, but he was still able to make an impact with 5.0 sacks and a team-high two forced fumbles.
But perhaps the biggest revelation in the unit was second-year Tuli Tuipulotu, who was able to surpass his stat totals from his rookie season.
Tuipulotu finished the year leading the team with 8.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits, as he was able to fill in as a starter at various points throughout the year.
"Just being under this defense, I've learned a lot," Tuipulotu said. "I'm in the system and I know the system but I can take another step, for sure, just understanding everyone's job to make it easier for me to be out there.
"We were a good defense this year and I'm happy with where we're going," Tuipulotu added.
The depth of Tuipulotu and veteran Bud Dupree, who was signed in free agency, helped spell both Mack and Bosa whether it was limiting their snaps during games or stepping up when either of them missed time.
Dupree provided a good spark to the unit, notching the only interception among the position and playing in all 17 games while recording 6.0 sacks.
Notable Number
Perhaps one of the most impressive things about Mack is his longevity, and he put it on display once again in Year 11.
The 33-year-old's 6.0 sacks this season extended his streak to 10 seasons with at least that number.
The 10 consecutive seasons with 6.0-plus sacks, which started during his second season in the league, is the longest active streak in the NFL and among the longest in NFL history.
Memorable Moment
We've heard the term, 'sacks come in bunches,' which proved to be true for Tuipulotu this season.
Tuipulotu entered Week 8 against the Saints playing well but hadn't tallied a sack yet. By the time Week 11 was over, the second-year player had notched 7.0 sacks in a four-game span.
He went on a heater, tying for the NFL lead during the month of November with 6.0 sacks and 10 quarterback hits. This production was especially important during this time as Mack worked through an injury and Bosa worked his way back from an injury of his own.
His hot streak also coincided with the Chargers four-game winning streak in the middle of the season that helped push them closer to the playoffs, with Tuipulotu recording multiple sacks in three straight games.
He became the second NFL player this season and fourth Charger since sacks became an official statistic in 1982 to have three-straight games with multiple sacks.
"We don't come out looking for sacks," Tuipulotu said during his streak. "We just come out trying to play hard, make plays and have fun. We don't focus on the stats.
"We play ball and the stats come to us," Tuipulotu added.
Regular-Season Stats
Tuli Tuipulotu
Recorded 42 total tackles (26 solo), 8.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits, two passes defended, one forced fumble; played in all 17 games (nine starts) and played 732 defensive snaps (66.97 percent)
Khalil Mack
Recorded 39 total tackles (20 solo), 6.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, 15 QB hits, nine passes defended, two forced fumbles; played in 16 games (16 starts) and played 616 defensive snaps (56.4 percent)
Bud Dupree
Recorded 28 total tackles (18 solo), 6.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, two passes defended, one forced fumble and one interception; played in all 17 games and played 546 defensive snaps (49.95 percent)
Joey Bosa
Recorded 22 total tackles (17 solo), 5.0 sacks, five tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, two forced fumbles; played in all 14 games (nine starts) and played 456 defensive snaps (41.72 percent)
Caleb Murphy
Recorded two total tackles (one solo); played in three games and played 12 defensive snaps (1.1 percent)
1 Question for 2025
Does Mack return to the Bolts?
Perhaps the biggest Chargers free agent heading into 2025 is Mack, who is slated to hit the market for the first time in his 11-year career.
The 33-year-old once again put together a high-level season in 2024 and has been invaluable to the Bolts during his three seasons in powder blue.
A team captain and an unquestioned leader of both the defense and team overall, what happens with Mack this offseason will be one of the biggest things to monitor.
Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz spoke about Mack at his season-ending press conference.
"Such a special competitor, leader, person. It's rare to get a guy of Khalil's ability and get the person that he brings with it," Hortiz said. "He is a special, special person to be around. I feel blessed to have been around him and I hope we can continue to be around him."
It's worth noting that Bosa, who is under contract next season, carries a significant cap hit in 2025.
"Everything's possible," Hortiz said about possibly keeping Bosa next season on those current terms.
The returns and/or departures in the edge rusher room will be at the center of the Bolts offseason headlines.
