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SAN DIEGO -- Yes, we know that preseason stats are meaningless and sometimes do not translate to the regular season. But through three exhibition games, the pass rush for the San Diego Chargers appears much more effective than in year’s past. The Chargers finished with just 26 sacks in 2014, including a league-low eight on third down. But San Diego is tied for sixth in the NFL with 10 sacks through three preseason games, including six in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. San Diego’s defense has allowed just 156 passing yards a contest, and is holding teams to 14 points a game. Melvin Ingram, Kyle Emanuel and Nick Dzubnar lead the team with two sacks each. "Our defensive line and front seven is getting enormous pressure," safety Jahleel Addae said. "And when you have that, you don’t have to cover as long in the back end. And that’s helped us a lot." Added Ingram: "When you can get a quarterback uncomfortable and get him off of his spot, it’s always important." Along with the improved pass rush, Addae said the Chargers are doing a better job in pursuit during exhibition play, getting all 11 players to the football. Inside linebacker Donald Butler attributed San Diego’s improved energy level on defense to players having more trust that the person next to him will do his job. "I think it’s just a collective effort of working together," Butler said. "We’ve got guys running free -- somebody beating a block, or Melvin (Ingram) scraping and making a play."
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