There’s a reason the Chargers selected USC edge defender Tuli Tuipulotu in the second round this April.
That reason: run defense. Tuipulotu is a gifted pass rusher, but he adds much more bulk in the run game, where LA struggled mightily a year ago.
In the third quarter, that theory began to translate. Tuipulotu split two Dolphins blockers and met Miami running back Salvon Ahmed in the backfield. In a welcome change for a Chargers defender, Tuipulotu secured the tackle and wrestled Ahmed to the ground for a loss of two, his first TFL of his NFL career.
Chargers rookie Tuli Tuipulotu making a great play coming off the edge for the TFL. pic.twitter.com/oEvFAIVLUb
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) September 10, 2023