Los Angeles Chargers have to be smiling big time thanks to the underrated trade they made a month ago
Odafe Oweh has been sensational since being traded to the Chargers.
When the Los Angeles Chargers acquired Odafe Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens about a month ago, the move flew somewhat under the radar. The former first-round pick had shown flashes of elite athleticism in Baltimore but had struggled to put it all together consistently. Fast forward a few weeks, and it’s safe to say Oweh has made an immediate and undeniable impact in Los Angeles – sparking a revitalized Chargers pass rush that’s quickly becoming one of the most feared units in the NFL.
A steal for Joe Hortiz
Since joining the Chargers, Oweh has recorded four sacks, 12 quarterback pressures, and ranks with the 8th-highest pass rush win rate in the league. Those numbers don’t just pop on paper – they’ve translated to a visible difference on the field. The Chargers’ front seven, which was depleted with veteran Khalil Mack out with injury for much of the season, now boasts a legitimate three-headed monster in Mack, Oweh, and rising star Tuli Tuipulotu.
Oweh’s burst off the edge and relentless motor have been game-changers. His ability to consistently collapse the pocket has forced opposing offenses to adjust protections, often sliding extra help his way. That’s where the ripple effect comes in. With defenses now having to account for Oweh’s speed and power, both Mack and Tuipulotu are seeing far more one-on-one opportunities – and they’re capitalizing.
Mack, in particular, has looked rejuvenated playing alongside Oweh. The veteran’s experience and power pair perfectly with Oweh’s explosiveness and bend, giving defensive coordinator Jesse Minter a dynamic duo that can attack from multiple angles. Meanwhile, Tuipulotu’s continued development as an interior rusher has been accelerated by the lighter attention he’s facing.
But Oweh’s impact hasn’t stopped at the pass rush. He’s also been a force in the running game, setting the edge with discipline and using his length to shed blockers. His pursuit speed has closed off outside runs and forced ball carriers back inside, where the Chargers’ linebackers have been able to clean up plays.
If Oweh continues at this pace, the trade could go down as one of the most impactful midseason moves in recent memory. The Chargers not only gained a disruptive edge presence but also unlocked the full potential of their defensive front. With Oweh emerging as a legitimate pass-rushing threat, Los Angeles may have found the missing piece that transforms its defense from inconsistent to elite.
The rest of the AFC should take notice – the Chargers’ pass rush has been reignited, and Odafe Oweh is the spark behind the fire.
