Scott Matlock's Dual Role with the Los Angeles Chargers

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, versatility is often the key to a player’s longevity—and for Scott Matlock, a second-year defensive lineman with the Los Angeles Chargers, that versatility has translated into a unique dual role that impacts both the defense and special teams. After a rookie season spent primarily as a rotational defensive tackle, Matlock has expanded his responsibilities in 2024, becoming a core contributor on the Chargers’ kickoff coverage and punt return units while still holding down a spot in the defensive line rotation. This dual role isn’t just a testament to Matlock’s athleticism and work ethic; it’s a strategic asset for the Chargers, who rely on his size, strength, and football IQ to fill critical gaps on both sides of the ball. Scott Matlock's Dual Role with the Los Angeles Chargers explores how Matlock balances these two demanding responsibilities, the impact he’s made in each role, and why his versatility has become indispensable to the team.

Scott Matlock's Dual Role with the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his primary role on the Chargers’ defense, where he serves as a reliable run-stopping defensive tackle and occasional pass-rusher. At 6’4” and 300 pounds, Matlock brings the size and strength needed to clog interior running lanes—a skill that has been critical for the Chargers this season, especially with Austin Johnson sidelined by injury. Through 15 games, Matlock has recorded 28 tackles (4 for loss), 2 sacks, and 5 quarterback hits, using his low center of gravity and hand technique to shed offensive linemen and disrupt plays. What sets Matlock apart, however, is his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes: he excels in the Chargers’ base 4-3 defense as a two-gap tackle (responsible for defending two gaps between offensive linemen) and can also shift to a one-gap role in nickel packages, where he focuses on penetrating the line to pressure the quarterback. “Scott is a coach’s dream on defense,” defensive line coach Giff Smith said. “He doesn’t care if he’s stopping the run or rushing the passer—he just wants to make plays. He’s the kind of player who will do whatever we ask, and he’ll do it well. That’s rare for a young lineman.” Matlock’s consistency on defense has made him a trusted option for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who often calls on him in short-yardage situations to stop opposing running backs.

A second critical part of Matlock’s dual role is his work on special teams, where he has become a standout contributor on kickoff coverage and punt return units. Special teams is often an overlooked aspect of the game, but it can swing field position and even decide close games—and Matlock has embraced this role with the same intensity he brings to defense. On kickoff coverage, Matlock lines up as a “gunner” on the edge, using his speed (surprising for a 300-pounder, with a 4.9 40-yard dash time) to sprint downfield and tackle returners before they can gain significant yardage. He’s recorded 7 special teams tackles this season, including a key stop in Week 11 against the Minnesota Vikings, where he brought down returner K.J. Osborn at the Vikings’ 18-yard line to set up a short field for the Chargers’ offense. On punt return units, Matlock serves as a blocker, using his strength to clear paths for returner Derius Davis and protect him from oncoming defenders. “Special teams was a new challenge for me, but I wanted to take it on,” Matlock said in an interview. “I knew if I could contribute there, I’d get more reps overall, and that’s what I want—any chance to help the team win. It’s a different mindset than defense, but it’s just as important. You have to be ready to sprint full speed on every play, and you have to be precise with your assignments.”

Scott Matlock's Dual Role with the Los Angeles Chargers also includes the challenge of balancing two demanding roles—and how Matlock’s work ethic and time management have allowed him to excel in both for the Los Angeles Chargers. Balancing defense and special teams isn’t easy: it requires learning two separate playbooks, attending extra meetings, and maintaining peak physical condition to handle the increased workload. Matlock has risen to this challenge by adjusting his routine: he arrives at the Chargers’ facility two hours early each day to study special teams film, stays late to work on defensive drills with Smith, and follows a strict nutrition and recovery plan to avoid fatigue. He also relies on veteran special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken and defensive teammates like Bud Dupree for guidance. “Scott puts in the work to be great at both,” Ficken said. “He doesn’t just show up to special teams meetings—he asks questions, takes notes, and practices his assignments until they’re second nature. For the Los Angeles Chargers, having a player who can contribute at this level on both defense and special teams is a huge advantage. It lets us keep our best players on the field more, and it gives us more flexibility with our roster.” Matlock’s ability to balance these roles has also earned him the respect of his teammates, who often praise his dedication and selflessness.

Another important aspect of Matlock’s dual role is the value it brings to the Chargers’ roster depth, especially during a season plagued by injuries for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have dealt with a wave of injuries this season, including season-ending injuries to Joey Bosa and J.C. Jackson, and Matlock’s versatility has helped the team avoid major disruptions. For example, when Johnson was injured in Week 10, Matlock stepped up to take on more snaps on defense—all while maintaining his special teams responsibilities. Similarly, when special teams standout Drue Tranquill was sidelined with a hamstring injury, Matlock picked up additional reps on kickoff coverage, ensuring the unit didn’t miss a beat. “Scott’s versatility is a lifeline for us when injuries hit,” general manager Tom Telesco said. “We don’t have to scramble to find a replacement for him on defense or special teams because he can do both. That saves us from having to carry extra players on the roster, which is crucial for managing our salary cap and keeping our team fresh. For the Los Angeles Chargers, players like Scott are the glue that holds the team together during tough times.” Matlock’s ability to fill multiple roles has also given head coach Brandon Staley more flexibility when game-planning, as he can adjust his lineup without sacrificing talent on either defense or special teams.

Finally, Scott Matlock's Dual Role with the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with the long-term implications of Matlock’s versatility for the Los Angeles Chargers’ future. As the Chargers look to build a competitive roster for 2025 and beyond, Matlock’s dual role positions him as a core contributor—someone the team can rely on to fill critical gaps and provide stability. His ability to play both defense and special teams also makes him a cost-effective asset, as he essentially fills two roster spots with one player—a valuable trait in a league where salary cap space is always at a premium. “Scott is exactly the kind of player we want to build around,” Telesco said. “He’s versatile, he’s hardworking, and he’s committed to winning. His dual role isn’t just a short-term solution for us—it’s a long-term advantage. For the Los Angeles Chargers, having a player who can impact the game in multiple ways is essential for competing in the AFC West, which is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.” Matlock, for his part, has no plans to slow down. He’s already working on improving his pass-rushing moves for next season and wants to take on more responsibility on special teams, including possibly returning punts. Scott Matlock's Dual Role with the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that in the NFL, versatility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer. And for the Chargers, Scott Matlock has become the embodiment of that principle.