Odafe Oweh's Speed Enhances the Los Angeles Chargers Defense

In the high-octane world of NFL offenses, where quarterbacks scramble and wide receivers stretch the field, speed on defense has become a non-negotiable asset—and for the Los Angeles Chargers, edge rusher Odafe Oweh has turned that speed into a game-changing weapon. Acquired via trade ahead of the 2024 season, Oweh arrived with a reputation for elite straight-line speed and quickness off the line of scrimmage, and he’s lived up to that hype, using his 4.36-second 40-yard dash speed to disrupt opposing offenses week after week. His ability to blow past offensive tackles, chase down mobile quarterbacks, and close gaps in run defense has added a dynamic layer to a Chargers defense already stacked with talent like Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Odafe Oweh's Speed Enhances the Los Angeles Chargers Defense breaks down how his unique speed impacts every facet of the Chargers’ defense, the matchups it creates, and why it’s become a key ingredient in the team’s playoff push.

Oweh’s speed first made a seismic impact in the Chargers’ Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, a game where he used his quickness to record 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble that swung momentum in the Chargers’ favor. Early in the second quarter, Oweh lined up against Raiders right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor—a solid blocker but one lacking elite speed—and exploded off the line, reaching Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo before he could even set his feet for a pass. The sack knocked the ball loose, and Chargers defensive tackle Austin Johnson recovered it, setting up a Chargers touchdown. Later in the game, with the Raiders driving to tie the score, Oweh chased down Garoppolo on a scramble, tackling him from behind for a 7-yard loss on third down—ending the Raiders’ drive. What stood out most wasn’t just the sacks, but the speed with which Oweh executed: he consistently reached the backfield 0.5 to 0.8 seconds faster than opposing tackles expected, leaving them flat-footed and unable to recover. Odafe Oweh's Speed Enhances the Los Angeles Chargers Defense frames this game as a showcase for Oweh’s speed, proving it wasn’t just a combine stat but a tangible force that could disrupt even well-prepared offenses.

A defining way Oweh’s speed enhances the Chargers’ defense is its ability to turn ordinary pass-rush opportunities into game-altering plays, especially against mobile quarterbacks. In today’s NFL, quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Justin Fields use their legs to extend plays and pick up yards when the passing game breaks down—but Oweh’s speed neutralizes that threat. In the Chargers’ Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence attempted to scramble for a first down on third-and-6, but Oweh, who had initially rushed the passer, reversed direction and chased Lawrence down from across the field, tackling him 2 yards short of the marker. It was a play that showcased Oweh’s rare combination of straight-line speed and lateral quickness—traits few edge rushers possess. Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley explained the value of that skill: “When you have a guy like Odafe who can chase down a quarterback like Lawrence, it changes everything. Offenses can’t rely on scrambling to bail them out, so they’re forced to be more predictable in their passing game.” Oweh’s speed also creates pressure on quarterbacks to rush their throws, leading to more interceptions; this season, the Chargers have recorded 3 interceptions off passes hurried by Oweh, a number that ranks among the top 5 for edge rushers in the NFL. Odafe Oweh's Speed Enhances the Los Angeles Chargers Defense emphasizes that Oweh’s speed doesn’t just get sacks—it forces mistakes that turn the tide of games.

For the Los Angeles Chargers, Oweh’s speed has also reshaped how opposing offenses game-plan against their defense, creating favorable matchups for other playmakers like Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. Prior to Oweh’s arrival, offenses could focus their best pass-blockers on Mack and Bosa, using double-teams to neutralize the Chargers’ top pass-rushers. But with Oweh in the lineup, offenses are forced to make a choice: assign their best tackle to Oweh (to counter his speed) or leave him on an island, risking a quick sack. More often than not, teams choose to put their top tackle on Oweh, which frees up Mack and Bosa to face one-on-one matchups—a scenario the Chargers’ veterans thrive in. In the Week 12 win over the Denver Broncos, the Broncos assigned left tackle Garett Bolles to Oweh, leaving right tackle Mike McGlinchey to block Mack. Mack responded with 2 sacks, as McGlinchey couldn’t handle his power without help. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this domino effect is invaluable; Oweh’s speed doesn’t just help him—it elevates the entire pass rush. Defensive line coach Giff Smith put it best: “Odafe’s speed is a gift that keeps on giving. He draws so much attention that it makes everyone else’s job easier. When you have three pass-rushers who can win one-on-one, offenses don’t stand a chance.” Odafe Oweh's Speed Enhances the Los Angeles Chargers Defense explores how this strategic advantage has turned the Chargers’ pass rush from a strong unit into one of the most feared in the AFC.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ run defense has also received a boost from Oweh’s speed, as he’s able to close gaps quickly and prevent opposing running backs from breaking long gains. While edge rushers are often praised for their pass-rush skills, Oweh’s speed makes him a force in run defense too—he can sprint down the line of scrimmage to tackle running backs before they reach the perimeter, a skill that’s critical against teams that rely on outside runs. In the Chargers’ Week 7 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chiefs attempted to run a sweep with running back Isiah Pacheco, hoping to use his speed to get around the edge. But Oweh read the play immediately, sprinted past Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and tackled Pacheco for a 2-yard loss—snuffing out the Chiefs’ best chance to get a big run. This season, Oweh has recorded 18 tackles for loss in run defense, the most among Chargers edge rushers, and he’s limited opposing running backs to just 2.8 yards per carry when they run to his side of the field. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this run-defense contribution adds another layer to Oweh’s value; he’s not just a pass-rush specialist—he’s a complete edge defender who can impact every down. Oweh himself takes pride in that versatility: “I don’t want to be known just for speed or just for sacks. I want to be the guy who can stop the run, get to the quarterback, and do whatever the team needs to win. That’s what makes a great defensive player.” Odafe Oweh's Speed Enhances the Los Angeles Chargers Defense notes that Oweh’s ability to excel in both pass and run defense makes him a rare commodity, one that the Chargers are fortunate to have in their lineup.

Finally, Oweh’s speed has positioned him as a long-term cornerstone of the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, a player around whom the team can build for years to come. At just 25 years old, Oweh has plenty of room to grow, and his speed—combined with his work ethic and willingness to learn from veterans like Mack and Bosa—suggests he’ll only get better. The Chargers have long been searching for a young edge rusher to pair with their veteran stars, and Oweh fits that role perfectly; his speed complements Mack’s power and Bosa’s technique, creating a pass-rush trio that can dominate for years. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this is a critical development—defenses win championships, and having a young, elite talent like Oweh ensures the Chargers’ defense will remain competitive even as Mack and Bosa enter the latter stages of their careers. As the Chargers push for a playoff spot this season, Oweh’s speed will continue to be a key weapon, whether he’s chasing down quarterbacks, stopping runs, or creating opportunities for his teammates. Odafe Oweh's Speed Enhances the Los Angeles Chargers Defense concludes that in a league where speed kills, Oweh has become the Chargers’ most lethal weapon on defense—and his presence is a big reason why the team has a realistic shot at ending its playoff drought and competing for a Super Bowl in the near future.