Los Angeles Chargers: The offensive and defensive MVPs

Defensive MVP: Joey Bosa

• 54 tackles, 16 assists, 12.5 sacks, Four forced fumbled

Pinpointing the defensive MVP for the Chargers this season was much harder than the offensive MVP. Early on, the Chargers defense looked woeful and was easily marched on. The Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos all scored 24 or more points. The Miami Dolphins scored 19 without Ryan Tannehill under center.

However, late in the year the defense turned it around and turned into one of the scariest defenses in the league. Several different guys emerged as great defenders, all playing a key role in the defensive efforts. Leading the charge, who arguably allowed everyone else to succeed, was Joey Bosa.

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Bosa has been everything touted and more since the Chargers drafted him third overall in the 2016 NFL draft. Bosa won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his first campaign and followed suit by finishing in the top seven in total sacks.

Bosa’s natural ability to force fumbles on the quarterback seemingly always came at the perfect time. If it was not for Bosa’s forced fumble against the Browns, Cleveland could have walked away with their first win. Whenever the rest of the defensive began to bend, Bosa snapped them back into position.

There were some great efforts on defense this season. They were all aided by Bosa, his performance and the fear he struck into opposing offenses and quarterbacks.