Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers

As a rookie edge rusher for the Los Angeles Chargers, Tuli Tuipulotu has quickly emerged as a disruptive force in the NFL—using his size, speed, and football IQ to apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of USC, Tuipulotu entered the season with high expectations, and he’s exceeded them: through 15 games, he’s recorded 6 sacks, 18 quarterback pressures, and 4 forced fumbles, becoming a key part of the Chargers’ pass-rush rotation alongside veterans Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. What makes Tuipulotu’s performance even more impressive is his ability to generate pressure in multiple ways—whether through speed rushes off the edge, power moves up the middle, or stunts with fellow defensive linemen. Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers explores the nuances of his game, the impact of his pressure on opposing offenses, and how he’s quickly become a fan favorite in Los Angeles. For a Chargers defense aiming to climb into the NFL’s top 10 in sacks, Tuipulotu’s emergence has been a critical surprise.

Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with a breakdown of his signature pressure move: a quick, low-angle speed rush that allows him to beat offensive tackles around the edge. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 265 pounds, Tuipulotu isn’t the tallest edge rusher, but he uses his compact frame to his advantage—staying low to the ground to avoid being blocked, then accelerating past tackles with a 4.68-second 40-yard dash speed that catches opponents off guard. This move was on full display in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, when Tuipulotu used the speed rush to beat Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. on three consecutive plays in the third quarter. On the final play of that sequence, he forced Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson to scramble out of the pocket, leading to an incomplete pass on third down and a Browns punt. “Tuli’s speed rush is deceptive—offensive tackles think they can contain him, but he’s got that extra gear,” Chargers defensive line coach Giff Smith said. “He’s also great at setting up his moves—he’ll fake a power rush first, then flip to speed to catch them off balance. That’s rare for a rookie.” Tuipulotu’s speed rushes have accounted for 40% of his total quarterback pressures this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

A key aspect of Tuipulotu’s pressure production, highlighted in Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers, is his ability to generate pressure in short-yardage and red-zone situations—where quarterbacks have less time to react. In the red zone (inside the opponent’s 20-yard line), Tuipulotu has recorded 3 sacks and 8 pressures, helping the Chargers rank 8th in the NFL in red-zone defense (opponents score touchdowns on just 52% of their red-zone trips). One of his most impactful red-zone pressures came in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos: with the Broncos at the Chargers’ 10-yard line and facing a third-and-5, Tuipulotu lined up against Broncos right tackle Mike McGlinchey. Using a bull rush, he drove McGlinchey back into the pocket, forcing Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to throw a hurried pass that was intercepted by Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. in the end zone. “Red-zone pressure is all about timing and intensity, and Tuli has both,” Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley said. “He understands that quarterbacks in the red zone are looking for quick throws, so he’s aggressive from the snap. That interception against Denver? That’s Tuli making a play that changes the game.”

Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers also delves into how his pressure complements the Chargers’ veteran pass-rushers—creating a “three-headed monster” that’s hard for offenses to contain. When defenses focus on stopping Mack and Bosa (who have combined for 20 sacks this season), Tuipulotu often finds one-on-one matchups that he exploits. In Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, for example, the Raiders used extra blockers to slow down Mack and Bosa, leaving Tuipulotu matched up against Raiders backup left tackle Thayer Munford Jr. Tuipulotu capitalized, recording 2 sacks and 3 pressures in the game—including a fourth-quarter sack that forced the Raiders to punt and preserved a 27-20 Chargers win. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this depth in the pass rush has been a game-changer: opponents can’t focus on just one or two players, which opens up opportunities for everyone. “Having Tuli in the rotation takes pressure off me and Joey,” Mack said in a recent interview. “He’s a threat every time he’s on the field, so defenses have to respect him. That makes my job easier, and it makes our entire defense better.” Tuipulotu’s ability to step up when Mack or Bosa needs rest has also helped keep the Chargers’ pass rush fresh late in games.

Another factor in Tuipulotu’s pressure success, explored in Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers, is his football IQ—specifically, his ability to read offensive schemes and adjust his rush accordingly. Tuipulotu spends hours studying film each week, analyzing the tendencies of opposing offensive tackles and quarterbacks. He looks for tells: a tackle’s weight shift that signals a pass block, a quarterback’s footwork that indicates a quick throw, or a formation that suggests a stunt. This preparation was evident in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when Tuipulotu noticed that Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor tends to lean forward when blocking power rushes. Tuipulotu used that tell to his advantage, faking a power rush before switching to a speed rush that beat Taylor for a pressure on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Tuipulotu’s film study has made him a more consistent pressure generator—even against seasoned veterans. “Tuli is a student of the game,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “He doesn’t just rely on his athleticism; he uses his brain to outsmart opponents. That’s why he’s been so successful as a rookie—he’s playing like a guy who’s been in the league for years.”

Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with a look at his future and his growing impact on the Chargers’ fan base. Tuipulotu’s performance has already earned him a spot on the NFL’s All-Rookie Team watch list, and he’s become a fan favorite at SoFi Stadium—with fans chanting “TU-LI! TU-LI!” whenever he records a pressure or sack. His popularity stems not just from his on-field play, but also from his off-field personality: he’s active in the Los Angeles community, volunteering at local youth football camps and visiting children’s hospitals. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Tuipulotu represents the future of the defense—a young player who can grow alongside Herbert and other core pieces to build a long-term contender. “Tuli is just getting started,” Smith said. “He’s got the talent, the work ethic, and the mindset to be one of the best edge rushers in the league. We’re lucky to have him in Los Angeles.” As the Chargers push for a playoff spot in 2025, Tuipulotu’s pressure on quarterbacks will only become more important—especially in high-stakes games against pass-heavy offenses. In the end, Tuli Tuipulotu's Pressure on QBs for the Los Angeles Chargers isn’t just a story about a rookie’s success—it’s a story about a player who’s quickly becoming a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defense and a symbol of the team’s bright future.