Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers

In the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 defensive scheme—built on flexibility and confusing opponents—few players are as valuable as Scott Matlock. The 6’4”, 300-pound lineman has emerged as a rare dual-threat, seamlessly shifting between defensive tackle (his natural position) and edge rusher (a role he adopted mid-season) to plug gaps and pressure quarterbacks. This versatility isn’t just a novelty; it’s a strategic weapon that lets the Chargers adjust to opponents on the fly, keeping offenses guessing. Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers explores how he mastered two distinct roles, the tactical advantages his flexibility creates, his standout performances in each spot, and why his dual-position ability is critical to the Chargers’ Super Bowl push. For a defense aiming to outsmart elite offenses, Matlock isn’t just a lineman—he’s a Swiss Army knife.

Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his transition from full-time defensive tackle to dual-role contributor. Entering 2025, Matlock was penciled in as a backup interior lineman, tasked with clogging run lanes and providing rotational depth. But when edge rusher Bud Dupree missed Weeks 4-6 with a calf injury, defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley turned to Matlock, impressed by his combination of size and speed (he ran a 4.87-second 40-yard dash at his 2023 pro day). Matlock embraced the challenge, spending extra hours with defensive line coach Giff Smith to refine edge-rushing techniques—like using his length to beat tackles and timing his bursts to avoid double teams. By Week 5, he was splitting snaps evenly between tackle and edge, recording a sack in both roles against the Cincinnati Bengals. “Scott didn’t just fill in—he excelled,” Ansley said. “Most players struggle to master one position; he’s thriving at two. That’s a testament to his work ethic and football IQ.” Matlock sees his dual role as a strength: “Playing both spots lets me understand the defense from every angle. I know what the edge rushers need from the tackles, and vice versa. It makes me a better player overall.”

Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers continues with a breakdown of his tactical adjustments for each position, highlighting the unique skills required for tackle vs. edge. At defensive tackle, Matlock uses his bulk and strength to take on double teams, freeing linebackers to make tackles. His signature move here is a “bull rush” that pushes centers and guards back into the quarterback’s lap—effective for disrupting passing plays before they start. At edge rusher, he shifts to a more finesse-based approach: he uses quick hand techniques to shed tackles, relies on his speed to beat offensive tackles around the edge, and times his jumps to bat down passes. Week 8 against the Denver Broncos showcased this duality: he spent 25 snaps at tackle (holding the Broncos to 1.5 yards per rush on his side) and 18 snaps at edge (recording a sack and two quarterback hits). “The biggest challenge is switching mindsets,” Matlock said. “At tackle, you’re a brick wall; at edge, you’re a sprinter. I have to reset between every snap.” Smith praised his adaptability: “Scott adjusts his stance, his hand placement, even his breathing based on the position. It’s like watching two different players—but both are elite.”

Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers also explores the strategic advantages his flexibility gives the Chargers. By using Matlock at both spots, Ansley can disguise blitzes, confuse offensive line blocking schemes, and keep opponents off-balance. For example, the Chargers often line Matlock up at tackle pre-snap, then shift him to edge at the last second—forcing offensive tackles to scramble and creating one-on-one matchups for other rushers. This tactic was key in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens: Matlock’s pre-snap shifts led to two unblocked blitzes by Joey Bosa, resulting in sacks. “Scott’s versatility lets us be creative,” Ansley said. “Offenses can’t game-plan for him because they don’t know where he’ll line up. That’s a huge advantage in a league where preparation is everything.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this flexibility also eases injury concerns: if another lineman goes down, Matlock can step into either role without a drop-off in production. “We don’t have to panic when someone gets hurt because Scott can fill in anywhere,” said head coach Jim Harbaugh. “That’s the kind of depth that wins championships.”

Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers delves into his standout performances in each role, highlighting how he impacts games regardless of where he lines up. His most memorable defensive tackle performance came in Week 7 against the New England Patriots: he recorded 5 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a pass deflection, limiting the Patriots to 7 rushing yards on plays run at his side. As an edge rusher, his Week 12 performance against the Cleveland Browns stood out: he sacked Deshaun Watson twice, including a fourth-quarter strip-sack that sealed a 24-17 win. “Scott doesn’t have a ‘best’ position—he’s great at both,” Bosa said. “When he’s at tackle, he shuts down the run; when he’s at edge, he pressures the quarterback. He’s a problem for every offense we play.” Matlock’s dual contributions have also earned him respect around the league: Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. called him “one of the most difficult players I’ve ever blocked” after their Week 12 matchup. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Matlock’s consistency across positions makes him a reliable weapon: he’s recorded at least one tackle in every game this season, with 4+ tackles in 8 of 13 contests. “You know what you’re getting with Scott—100fort, no matter where he lines up,” said linebacker Daiyan Henley. “That’s the kind of teammate you want in the trenches.”

Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with his long-term value to the Chargers and the legacy of his versatility. Signed to a two-year deal in 2025, Matlock has already emerged as a core defensive piece, with the team considering an extension to keep him in Los Angeles long-term. His dual-position play has also set a precedent for the Chargers’ roster building: the team is now targeting more versatile linemen in the draft and free agency, hoping to replicate Matlock’s success. Fans have embraced his flexibility too, with “Matlock: Tackle or Edge?” signs appearing at SoFi Stadium and his jersey sales climbing into the top 20 among defensive players. “Scott represents everything we want in a Charger—tough, smart, and willing to do whatever it takes to win,” Harbaugh said. As the Chargers head into the playoffs, Matlock’s dual-role ability will be more important than ever: he’ll be tasked with shutting down the run against the Kansas City Chiefs and pressuring quarterbacks against the Buffalo Bills. In the end, Scott Matlock's Dual-Position Play for the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of adaptability—how one player’s willingness to learn two roles has become a defining strength for a team chasing a championship. For the Chargers, Matlock isn’t just a lineman—he’s a strategic asset, and a key part of their quest for a Super Bowl title.