COSTA MESA, Calif. -- With starting middle linebacker Denzel Perryman still working his way back from an ankle injury and Jatavis Brown slowed by a high-ankle sprain, the Los Angeles Chargers have leaned on backup safety Adrian Phillips to shoulder the load as an outside linebacker, with impressive results.
Phillips experienced an uptick in playing time three weeks ago against the New York Giants, as the Chargers played with at least five defensive backs on 49 of 66 snaps.
Since Week 5, Phillips is averaging 32 plays a game on defense, compared to nine plays a game in the first four weeks.