Daiyan Henley's Tackles Boost the Los Angeles Chargers Defense

In a season where the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense has faced questions about consistency and run-stopping, second-year linebacker Daiyan Henley has emerged as a quiet force—using his relentless tackling to stabilize the unit and keep opposing offenses in check. After a rookie season spent learning the ropes (he recorded 45 tackles in limited reps), Henley has stepped into a full-time starting role in 2024, and the results have been transformative: he currently leads the Chargers with 89 total tackles (52 solo, 37 assisted), including 5 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles. His ability to diagnose plays quickly, meet runners at the line of scrimmage, and bring down ball carriers with precision has turned him into a linchpin of the Chargers’ defense—especially in critical short-yardage situations and late-game scenarios. Daiyan Henley's Tackles Boost the Los Angeles Chargers Defense breaks down how his tackle production has changed the Chargers’ defensive fortunes, the key games where he shined, and why he’s become indispensable to the team’s success.

Henley’s tackle impact was first fully on display in the Chargers’ Week 8 win over the Minnesota Vikings, a game where he recorded 14 total tackles (9 solo) and a critical fourth-down stop that sealed the victory. With the Vikings trailing 24-21 and facing a fourth-and-1 from the Chargers’ 35-yard line late in the fourth quarter, Henley read the Vikings’ run play perfectly, sliced through a gap in the offensive line, and wrapped up running back Alexander Mattison for a 2-yard loss—ending Minnesota’s final scoring chance. That stop wasn’t an anomaly; throughout the game, Henley consistently shut down the Vikings’ rushing attack, which entered the game averaging 112 yards per contest. He held Mattison to just 3.2 yards per carry, and his tackle on a third-and-2 in the third quarter forced a Vikings punt, giving the Chargers’ offense a chance to extend their lead. What stood out most about Henley’s performance was his discipline: he avoided overcommitting to plays, stayed in his gap, and made tackles cleanly (no missed tackles in the game)—a stark contrast to the Chargers’ earlier struggles with missed tackles (they ranked 25th in the NFL in missed tackles through Week 7). Daiyan Henley's Tackles Boost the Los Angeles Chargers Defense frames this game as Henley’s “coming-out party,” proving he could handle the pressure of a starting role and deliver when the defense needed him most.

A key element of Henley’s tackle success is his unique blend of physicality and football IQ, which allows him to make plays in both run and pass defense—rare for a young linebacker. At 6’2”, 230 pounds, Henley has the size to take on offensive linemen at the point of attack, but he also has the speed (4.54-second 40-yard dash) to chase down ball carriers from the sideline. This versatility was on full display in the Chargers’ Week 10 win over the New Orleans Saints, where he recorded 12 total tackles (6 solo) and a tackle for loss that derailed a Saints’ red-zone drive. On the play, Henley initially dropped back in pass coverage to cover Saints tight end Juwan Johnson, but when he saw Saints quarterback Derek Carr hand off to running back Alvin Kamara, he accelerated toward the line, fought off a block from a Saints guard, and tackled Kamara for a 3-yard loss—pushing the Saints out of field-goal range. Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley praised Henley’s adaptability after the game, saying, “Daiyan doesn’t just make tackles—he makes smart tackles. He knows when to be aggressive and when to stay disciplined, and that’s what makes him such a valuable player. He’s not just stopping plays; he’s preventing points.” Daiyan Henley's Tackles Boost the Los Angeles Chargers Defense emphasizes that Henley’s tackles aren’t just about numbers—they’re about situational awareness, and that’s why they’ve had such a tangible impact on the Chargers’ defense.

For the Los Angeles Chargers, Henley’s tackle consistency has been a game-changer for a run defense that ranked 26th in the NFL last season. Through 11 games in 2024, the Chargers’ run defense has jumped to 15th in the league (allowing 98.7 yards per game), and Henley’s tackle production is a big reason why. He’s averaging 8.1 tackles per game, which ranks 12th among all NFL linebackers, and he’s been especially effective in stopping runs at or behind the line of scrimmage: his 5 tackles for loss have helped the Chargers limit opposing running backs to just 3.8 yards per carry—down from 4.6 yards per carry in 2023. In the Chargers’ Week 11 win over the Denver Broncos, Henley’s tackle on Broncos running back Javonte Williams on a third-and-1 early in the second quarter forced a punt, and he later stopped Williams for no gain on a second-and-2 to set up a Broncos field goal (instead of a touchdown). For the Los Angeles Chargers, these small, tackle-driven wins add up: by limiting opposing teams to short gains, Henley is forcing them into more third-and-long situations, which the Chargers’ pass rush (led by Joey Bosa) can exploit. Daiyan Henley's Tackles Boost the Los Angeles Chargers Defense explores how Henley’s tackles have turned the Chargers’ run defense from a liability into a strength—one that opponents can no longer rely on to move the ball easily.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ defense has also benefited from Henley’s ability to make tackles in late-game, high-pressure situations—a skill that has helped the team secure four one-possession wins this season. In the Chargers’ Week 9 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the game tied 27-27 and the Jaguars driving for a potential game-winning field goal, Henley recorded three consecutive tackles: first, he stopped Jaguars running back Travis Etienne for a 1-yard gain on first down, then he tackled Etienne for no gain on second down, and finally, he brought down wide receiver Christian Kirk after a 2-yard catch on third down—forcing a Jaguars punt. The Chargers went on to win the game in overtime, and Henley’s late tackles were a major reason why. His teammates have taken notice of his clutch performances, with safety Derwin James Jr. saying, “Daiyan is our closer on defense. When the game is on the line, you want him around the ball because you know he’s going to make the tackle. He doesn’t get nervous—he just gets better.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Henley’s late-game tackle reliability has filled a longstanding need: in 2023, the Chargers lost five one-possession games, often due to defensive lapses in the final minutes. This season, Henley’s tackles have helped them flip that script. Daiyan Henley's Tackles Boost the Los Angeles Chargers Defense notes that this clutch factor is what separates good linebackers from great ones—and Henley is quickly proving he’s in the latter category.

Finally, Henley’s tackle success has had a ripple effect on the entire Los Angeles Chargers’ defense, boosting confidence and allowing other players to thrive. With Henley handling the bulk of the run-stopping tackles, defensive ends Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack have more freedom to focus on pressuring the quarterback (they’ve combined for 18 sacks this season, up from 12 at this point in 2023). Additionally, Henley’s ability to cover tight ends and running backs in pass defense has taken pressure off the Chargers’ secondary, which has seen a 20% drop in passing yards allowed per game compared to last season. Off the field, Henley’s work ethic has set a standard for the defense: he’s often the first player on the practice field to work on tackling drills, and he spends extra time with linebackers coach Jeff Howard studying film of upcoming opponents. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Henley’s impact goes beyond stats—he’s become a leader by example, showing younger players what it takes to succeed in the NFL. Daiyan Henley's Tackles Boost the Los Angeles Chargers Defense concludes that Henley’s tackles aren’t just a individual achievement; they’re a catalyst for the Chargers’ defensive resurgence. As the team pushes for a playoff spot, his ability to keep making plays will be critical—and if he continues to perform at this level, he could soon be recognized as one of the top young linebackers in the league.