Chargers rookie Tuli Tuipulotu thriving and still learning
There was the Chargers’ first victory of the season, a questionable fourth-down decision that almost resulted in their third defeat, exceptional passing by Justin Herbert and catching by Keenan Allen, a surprising sidelining of J.C. Jackson and a season-ending injury to Mike Williams.
No question, there was plenty to unpack after the Chargers’ 28-24 victory last Sunday over the Minnesota Vikings.
Not to be overlooked on the Chargers’ lengthy list of storylines was another standout performance from Tuli Tuipulotu, a rookie edge rusher from USC who appears bent on becoming a menacing troublemaker for opposing offensive linemen and the quarterbacks they’re assigned to protect.
Tuipulotu has become a problem only three games into his NFL career, a development that has pleased but certainly not surprised the Chargers’ coaching staff. He’s expected to start for the third consecutive week when the Chargers host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
“Is he ahead of schedule?” coach Brandon Staley asked, repeating a reporter’s question. “I think he’s on schedule. I think he’s right on schedule. We had a strong feeling about this guy in the springtime. That was without pads. When we got him in pads … you knew he was going to be a factor.”
It took an injury to veteran edge rusher Joey Bosa in Week 1 for Tuipulotu to get a chance to show what kind of disruptive force he could be. Tuipulotu made his NFL debut and had two tackles during the Chargers’ 36-34 loss to the Miami Dolphins, playing mostly on special teams.
Bosa hurt his hamstring in the game against Miami and his play was limited to fewer than 40% of the snaps in a 27-24 overtime loss in Week 2 to the Tennessee Titans and during last week’s victory over the Vikings. Tuipulotu quickly seized the opportunity and the spotlight.
Bosa was listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Raiders.
Tuipulotu had one sack among his seven tackles against the Titans, playing 50 of 65 defensive snaps, as well as joining the Chargers’ special teams. He had one sack among his four tackles against the Vikings, playing 63 of 82 defensive snaps, as well as playing on special teams.
Tuipuloto’s pressure in place of Bosa was unrelenting against Tennessee quarterback Ryan Tannehill and also against Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins. For instance, he was credited with pressuring Cousins 10 times in Sunday’s game after pressuring the Titans’ Tannehill twice in the previous game.
“I mean, it’s been multiple plays in multiple games,” Staley said of Tuipulotu’s impact in the past two games, in particular. “I think he played a ton versus Tennessee, a ton, and then he played a ton (against Minnesota). You’re seeing him play starter reps. It’s just his physicality and the toughness in the run game.
“He’s an improving player with a lot to learn.”
Tuipulotu turned 21 earlier this month, making him the youngest player on the Chargers’ roster, a point driven home to Bosa from the moment of his arrival after Tuipulotu was drafted in the second round in April. Tuipulotu still calls Bosa “sir” at times, which is at once flattering and somewhat insulting.
This past week, he called playing with Bosa and Khalil Mack, two All-Pros, “a blessing.”
“He’ll say ‘sir’ every once in a while,” Bosa said. “He just turned 21, so he’s still a little guy. He was kind of shocked seeing all the players on the other team last week. I’m like, ‘Come on, man. We’ve got to go against these guys.’ (But) it’s cool to see. It makes me feel older, which isn’t fun. But it’s pretty interesting that I’ve been in this game for a while now. It’s hard to imagine. He’s a great addition.
“He’s like, ‘Oh, DeAndre Hopkins, oh my God.’ Shut up, Tuli.”
Hopkins is a wide receiver for the Titans and a five-time Pro Bowl selection.
“I love Tuli,” Bosa said. “I think he does everything right, everything you could ask for out of a rookie, everything you could ask for out of any player, honestly. He’s just great. He’s in his (play)book. He knows everything. He knows his stuff really well. You could plug him into any position and he’s going to do his job.
“At the same time, he just wants to learn and get better. I’ve said this before but he’s like a sponge. He just practices his craft really hard every day consistently, and I think he’s getting better fast. It’s a great addition (to the Chargers). I keep saying that. I’m really high on Tuli, for sure.”
CHARGERS (1-2) vs. RAIDERS (1-2)
When: 1:05 p.m. Sunday
Where: SoFi Stadium
TV/Radio: Ch. 2; 98.7 FM; 105.5 FM/94.3 FM (Spanish)