Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total

In the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 defensive resurgence, edge rusher Bud Dupree has emerged as a quiet but impactful force—his sacks piling up to boost the team’s overall pass-rush production and solidify their standing as one of the AFC’s most disruptive defenses. Through 15 games, Dupree has recorded 8.5 sacks, a career-high since 2020 and the third-most on the Chargers’ roster behind Khalil Mack (12) and Joey Bosa (8). Each of his sacks has come at critical moments: halting opponent scoring drives, forcing turnovers, or shifting momentum back to the Chargers. Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total explores the details of Dupree’s sack production, his role in the Chargers’ defensive scheme, and how his performance has complemented the team’s star pass-rushers. For a Chargers defense aiming to climb into the NFL’s top 10 in sacks, Dupree’s consistency has been a key piece of the puzzle.

Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total begins with a breakdown of his most impactful sack of the season—a Week 11 takedown of Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo that sealed a 27-20 win. With 1:12 left in the fourth quarter and the Raiders driving for a potential game-tying touchdown, Dupree lined up against Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller, a Pro Bowl-caliber player. On the play, Dupree used a quick “swim move” to beat Miller’s initial block, then closed in on Garoppolo before the quarterback could step up in the pocket. He wrapped his arms around Garoppolo’s waist, dragging him to the ground for a 7-yard loss and forcing a turnover on downs. “That play was all about timing and technique,” Dupree said in a post-game interview. “I studied Miller all week—knew he tends to overcommit to the outside rush. I just waited for the right moment to make my move.” The sack marked Dupree’s third of the season against divisional opponents, highlighting his ability to perform in high-stakes matchups. It also pushed the Chargers’ team sack total to 32 at the time, putting them on pace to finish with their most sacks since 2016.

A key aspect of Dupree’s sack production, highlighted in Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total, is his versatility as a pass-rusher—able to excel both as a stand-up linebacker and a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley often shifts Dupree between positions depending on the opponent’s offensive scheme: using him as a linebacker in nickel packages to exploit slower offensive linemen, and as a defensive end in base sets to add power to the rush. This flexibility was on full display in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs, when Dupree recorded two sacks—one from each position. On the first sack, he lined up as a linebacker and blitzed from the edge, beating Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor with a speed rush. On the second, he played defensive end, using a bull rush to push Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney back into quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ lap. “Bud’s ability to play multiple spots makes him a nightmare for offenses,” Ansley said. “They can’t just game-plan for one version of him—he’s constantly shifting, constantly keeping them off balance.” This versatility has also helped draw attention away from Mack and Bosa, giving the Chargers three viable pass-rush threats and making their defense harder to contain.

Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total also delves into how his sack production has contributed to the Chargers’ overall defensive success—specifically, their ability to force turnovers. Of Dupree’s 8.5 sacks this season, three have led to fumbles, including a Week 14 strip-sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson that defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. The score gave the Chargers a 14-7 lead in the second quarter and sparked a 31-24 win. For the Los Angeles Chargers, these sack-induced turnovers have been critical: the team ranks 10th in the NFL in takeaways (21), and nearly 15% of those takeaways have come directly from Dupree’s sacks. “Bud doesn’t just get sacks—he gets impactful sacks,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “He’s not satisfied with just dropping the quarterback; he’s looking to create opportunities for our team to score. That’s the kind of playmaking that changes games.” Dupree’s ability to force fumbles has also made him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations, where a sack can quickly end an opponent’s drive and swing momentum.

Another factor in Dupree’s sack success, explored in Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total, is his chemistry with the Chargers’ defensive line—particularly his partnership with Mack. The two veterans often work together on pass-rush sequences, using “stunts” and “twists” to confuse offensive linemen. In Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, for example, Dupree and Mack executed a twist play: Dupree faked a rush up the middle, drawing the Browns’ left guard toward him, while Mack looped around the edge and sacked Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Though Mack got the credit for the sack, Dupree’s distraction was key to making the play work. “Me and Khalil have a rhythm—we don’t even need to talk much on the field,” Dupree said. “We know each other’s strengths, know how to set each other up. It’s like a dance out there.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this partnership has been a cornerstone of their pass-rush success, turning a strong duo into a dominant force. It’s also helped younger players like rookie edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu learn the nuances of pass-rushing, as Dupree and Mack often walk them through stunt plays in practice.

Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total concludes with a look at what Dupree’s performance means for the Chargers’ playoff aspirations and his future with the team. As the Chargers fight for a wild-card spot, his sack production will be critical—especially against pass-heavy offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills in the final weeks. Beyond this season, Dupree’s strong play has positioned him for a potential contract extension; the Chargers signed him to a one-year deal in the off-season, but his 8.5 sacks have made him a valuable long-term piece. “Bud has exceeded all our expectations this year,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “He’s a professional, a hard worker, and a playmaker. We’d love to have him back.” For Dupree, the focus remains on the present—helping the Chargers win now and make a deep playoff run. “Individual stats are great, but they don’t mean anything if we don’t win,” he said. “Every sack I get is for this team, for this locker room. We’re building something special here, and I want to be a part of it.” In the end, Bud Dupree's Sacks Add to the Los Angeles Chargers' Total isn’t just a story about sacks—it’s a story about a player finding his groove, a defense clicking as a unit, and a team one step closer to achieving its goals.