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The Los Angeles Chargers have steadily built one of the best defenses in the NFL. They’ve been outstanding on that side of the ball during their three-game winning streak.
Of course, a lot has been said of big-name stars like Khalil Mack. Then again, an unsung hero should also get credit for his outstanding job in the secondary.
Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson is quietly having an elite season.
According to Alex Insdorf, Jackson has given up the fifth-fewest yards in coverage (161) and has allowed the second-lowest passer rating (49.9) in the NFL. He also has five pass breakups, two interceptions, and has been called for one penalty in 10 games.
Don't know if we've talked about Chargers CB Donte Jackson enough:
-5th fewest yards (161) allowed in the league
-49.9 passer rating allowed (2nd in NFL)
-2 INTs
-5 PBUs
-1 penalty in 10 games
I guess it's good when you're not talking about a corner now that I think about it. pic.twitter.com/rZ738KYObL
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) November 11, 2025
Those are definitely elite numbers. It wouldn’t be outrageous to talk about Jackson as an underrated candidate to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Then again, as Insdorf pointed out, his name has rarely been mentioned among the best players in the game this season. That might have to do with the fact that the national media doesn’t usually talk about the Chargers.
That should change in the second half of the season. Jackson has been an instrumental part of their stellar defense, and with the Chargers looking like a dark horse to win the AFC, he should get more credit going forward.
NEXT: Stats Show How Chargers' Defense Is Contributing To Hot Streak