Chargers News: Positional Change Improving Output Of Key Defender

Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. came into the 2023 season with some momentum after a three-interception game in the postseason last year.  

Through some early struggles in the first few weeks, the former Seminole showed out in week four thanks to a return to his positional roots. 

Stud: CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Like the entire Chargers’ secondary, Asante Samuel Jr. struggled in the first two weeks of the season. But ever since he’s moved back to outside corner, his level has picked up immensely. Samuel obviously came up with a critical interception in this game as Aidan O’Connell targeted Davante Adams on the goal line. The Chargers corner has been targeted 18 times in the last two weeks and allowed sub-90 passer ratings in each of those games. The level of difficulty for Samuel in having these performances should not be overlooked either. At 0-2, the Chargers faced dysfunction in the secondary while staring down matchups with Justin Jefferson and Davante Adams before the BYE. Samuel’s efficiency on the switch back outside is a key reason the Chargers’ defensive crisis in the back half has subsided.

^{via Alex Insdorf, Chargers Wire}

The Florida State corner joined his fellow alum Derwin James Jr. in the Bolts' secondary after the team drafted him in the second round of the 2021 draft. 

Struggles in the slot led him back to being a ball hawk, opposite some of the best receivers in the game, as he did in game 4. 

Vegas receiver Jakobi Meyers misread a route from Raider rookie QB Aidan O'Connell, and Samuel Jr. took full advantage of the moment with the game-sealing pick. 

The turnover helped his team reach a .500 record heading into their bye, and the Chargers might have found the fix they've needed to their defense all along. 

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