San Diego Chargers Daily Links: July 7, 2015

2014 Pressure Plays: Defenses - Sterling Xie
Though the overall five-year averages look a lot like 2014, there have been a few interesting years where the correlation has looked quite strong, especially 2013 and 2011 (for pressure DVOA). The 2011 mark seems especially strange, as we wouldn't expect teams good at generating pressure to be worse at actually defending pressure situations. Creating more pressure certainly isn't useless -- since 2010, the correlation between pressure rate and overall defensive DVOA is -0.35. But as we'll see, what a defense does when the pass rush doesn't get home appears more important.

AFC West Q&A: Which assistant coach will make the biggest impact? - Bill Williamson
For the Chargers, new linebackers coach Mike Nolan has made an immediate impact. He brings experience in a 3-4 defensive scheme, and commands respect from the players because of his experience as a defensive coordinator and head coach in the NFL. Along with that, Nolan's attention to detail and demanding the best out of his players should elevate the playing level of a position group that has under-performed the past two years for the Chargers.

Time for Corey Liuget to shine on Chargers' defensive line - Eric Williams
The Chargers gave up an average of 4.22 yards per carry on first-down rushes last season, which was No. 22 in the NFL. If San Diego wants to be considered an elite defense, the Chargers have to be better stopping the run on first down. And that starts up front.

Chargers expect a more elusive Donald Brown - Eric Williams
"He's got a burst that he really didn't have last year," Wilson said. "What Donald and I talked about a lot is his work in the open field -- working one-on-one with a guy and making a guy miss. And that's something we're really spending a lot of time on.