Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers

When the Los Angeles Chargers signed Scott Matlock as a restricted free agent in 2025, they targeted his ability to plug gaps across the defensive line—a need amplified by injuries to their interior rotation. The 6’4”, 300-pound lineman, a former 2023 sixth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, had shown flashes of versatility in Jacksonville but never a full opportunity to showcase it. In Los Angeles, that’s changed: Matlock has lined up at nose tackle, defensive tackle, and even occasional edge rusher, becoming a Swiss Army knife for coordinator Derrick Ansley’s defense. Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers explores how his ability to excel in multiple roles has stabilized the Chargers’ line, boosted their run defense, and added depth to their pass rush. For a team chasing a Super Bowl, Matlock’s versatility isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers starts with his positional flexibility, which has been a lifeline for the Chargers’ banged-up defensive line. Through 12 weeks, Matlock has played 40% of his snaps at nose tackle (filling in for injured starter Austin Johnson), 35% at three-technique defensive tackle, and 25% at edge rusher (when Joey Bosa or Bud Dupree need rest). What stands out is his consistency across roles: he’s recorded 3 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 28 tackles—impressive numbers for a player splitting time between positions. Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders showcased this best: he started at nose tackle, shut down the run (allowing 1.8 yards per carry on his snaps), then shifted to edge rusher in the fourth quarter and sacked Aidan O’Connell to seal a 27-20 win. “Scott’s ability to move around the line is rare,” Ansley said. “Most guys excel at one spot—he excels at three. He understands the nuances of each position, which lets us keep our best players on the field without sacrificing production.” Matlock attributes his flexibility to his college days at Boise State, where he played both interior and edge. “I never wanted to be a one-trick pony,” he said. “Being able to play multiple spots made me more valuable then, and it’s paying off now in LA.”

Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers next highlights his impact on the Chargers’ run defense, which has jumped from 21st in 2024 to 12th in 2025 (allowing 112 yards per game). As a nose tackle, Matlock uses his size and strength to clog double teams, freeing linebackers like Eric Kendricks to make tackles. Against the Denver Broncos in Week 7, he single-handedly disrupted two running plays: he split a double team to tackle Javonte Williams for a 2-yard loss, then later plugged a gap to stop Samaje Perine short of a first down on fourth-and-1. His run-stop rate (12.3% of his snaps) ranks among the top 15 interior linemen in the AFC. “Run defense is about effort and technique, and Scott has both,” said defensive line coach Giff Smith. “When he’s at nose tackle, he controls the line of scrimmage. When he shifts to three-technique, he penetrates and disrupts plays before they start. He’s a big reason our run defense has turned around.” Matlock’s contributions here fly under the radar compared to sacks, but the Chargers’ coaching staff knows their importance. “Stopping the run keeps offenses one-dimensional,” Ansley said. “Scott lets us do that, which makes our pass rush even more effective.”

Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers also emphasizes how his role has eased the load on the Chargers’ star edge rushers. Bosa and Dupree are among the NFL’s top sack artists, but they need rest to stay fresh for the playoffs. Matlock’s ability to play edge rusher has let the Chargers limit Bosa and Dupree to 60-65 snaps per game—down from 70+ in 2024—without dropping off in production. Week 9 against the New England Patriots was a perfect example: Matlock played 15 snaps at edge, recorded a quarterback hit, and forced a fumble (recovered by the Chargers), while Bosa and Dupree got extra rest. “Scott taking reps at edge lets us keep Joey and Bud fresh for crunch time,” Smith said. “In the fourth quarter, when games are on the line, we need our stars at their best—and Scott helps make that happen.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this depth is critical in a long NFL season. “Injuries and fatigue catch up to everyone,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “Having a guy like Scott who can step in at multiple spots means we never have to panic when someone goes down. He’s the kind of player that winning teams have.” Matlock doesn’t mind the supporting role, either. “My job is to help the team win, whatever that looks like,” he said. “If that means spelling Joey for a few snaps or plugging a gap at nose tackle, I’m happy to do it.”

Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers then delves into the mental side of his game—his ability to learn and adapt to new roles on the fly. Each position requires different responsibilities: nose tackle focuses on run stopping, three-technique on penetration, edge rusher on speed and power. Matlock spends hours each week studying film for each role, memorizing opponent tendencies and adjusting his technique. Before Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns, he spent extra time learning the Browns’ run scheme to prepare for his nose tackle snaps, then shifted to studying their offensive tackles for his edge reps. “Scott’s a student of the game,” Kendricks said. “He asks questions, takes notes, and never makes the same mistake twice. You can tell he cares about getting every detail right.” This preparation paid off against the Browns: he had 4 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, and didn’t miss a single assignment across his 42 snaps (split between nose tackle and edge). For the Los Angeles Chargers, Matlock’s football IQ makes his versatility even more valuable. “It’s not just that he can play multiple spots—it’s that he plays them well,” Ansley said. “He understands the ‘why’ behind each play, which lets him make split-second decisions that turn plays around.”

Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with his long-term fit in Los Angeles and his growing popularity among fans. Signed to a two-year, $8 million deal, Matlock has already outperformed expectations, making him a candidate for an extension. Fans have taken notice, too—“Matlock Swiss Army Knife” signs have popped up at SoFi Stadium, and his jersey sales have climbed steadily since Week 4. “It’s surreal to see fans cheering for me like this,” Matlock said. “I came to LA to contribute, and knowing the fans appreciate what I do means a lot.” Beyond his on-field play, Matlock has embraced the community, hosting a youth football camp in downtown Los Angeles and volunteering at local food banks. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Matlock represents the kind of player they want to build around: versatile, hardworking, and team-first. As the Chargers head into the playoffs, his role will only grow—whether he’s stopping the run, rushing the passer, or filling in for an injured starter. “Scott Matlock is the unsung hero of our defense,” Bosa said. “He doesn’t get the headlines, but we couldn’t do this without him. His versatility has been a game-changer.” In the end, Scott Matlock's Versatility Shines for the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of finding value in flexibility—a reminder that sometimes the most important players aren’t the stars, but the ones who can do it all. For the Chargers, Matlock isn’t just a role player—he’s a key piece of their championship puzzle.