The Los Angeles Chargers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NFL through the first two weeks of the season.
Many believed the Chargers would take a step forward this season and be more competitive, but their 2-0 start has been an impressive development.
They are now in the driver’s seat for the AFC West title, a division that has been dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs.
The offense has been the biggest story, especially with Justin Herbert having a monster game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, but the defense has been equally impressive.
Several Chargers defenders have played well to this point, but perhaps none have been as strong as Donte Jackson, whose stats have popped off the page.
As the “Next Gen Stats” indicate via The 33rd Team on X, Jackson has allowed less than 20 passing yards when targeted 10+ times this season, the only player in the league who holds that distinction.
Chargers CB Donte Jackson in coverage through Week 2, per @NextGenStats:
⚡️ 10 targets as nearest defender
⚡️ 3 catches, 14 yards allowed
⚡️ 0 TD/1 INT
⚡️ 0.0 passer rating allowed
⚡️ -10.4 opponent expected points addedJackson is the only player this season to allow less… pic.twitter.com/inL3BoCjEQ
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 17, 2025
He’s allowed just three receptions for 14 total yards, and it’s clear that opposing defenses don’t want to throw the ball anywhere near his direction.
If he can continue to be the shutdown corner that he’s been through the first two weeks, this defense will greatly benefit from his skill set and will only get better as the season goes on.
The Chargers have a lot of pieces in place on both sides of the ball that are exciting, so fans are looking forward to seeing their development over the next several weeks.
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