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Joey Bosa is one of the league’s most effective defensive players since the Chargers drafted him in 2016.
New Chargers coach Brandon Staley has no intention of changing that, saying he plans to put Bosa on the edge and be an ace. And Staley related Bosa’s role to that of a linebacker he trained in Chicago when he worked under coordinator Vic Fangio.
“I think that the fact that he has a unique set of physical abilities allows you to have that versatility that we like to play with, because he may be on the edge of his defense as an external passer. And then he can also be a little closer to the ball as an internal defense striker because he has the length and strength to be able to anchor as well, ”said Staley during his news conference on Thursday. “So I think he’s a guy that you can see being in a position for us for sure. I think from a competition point of view, it probably compares more with a body type by Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack and a role of playwright for us, if you like that. And I think that’s your style of play.
“But I think the thing about Joey is, he’s a football player playing Jesse, man. He will play well anywhere. But we will certainly try to put him in his comfort zone, making him do what he does really well, and I can’t wait to start working with Joey. “
Bosa appeared in 12 games in 2020, registering 7.5 sacks, 15 tackles for defeat and 27 strikes of defender. If he remains healthy in 2021, he could give Staley a chance to train the winners of the defensive player of the year award. Aaron Donald won his third honor from the main Rams defense that Staley coordinated in 2020.