The talk this offseason and in training camp has been how Melvin Ingram lost 20 pounds and was in the best shape of his life.

Ingram, the San Diego Chargers' first-round selection in the 2012 draft, finally appeared ready to live up to high expectations.

Through two preseason games, Ingram has made his mark as San Diego’s most explosive player on defense. Ingram led the Chargers with two sacks and six combined tackles in a 22-19 preseason win over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.

On his first sack in the opening quarter, Ingram used a spin move on Arizona right tackle Bradley Sowell that would have made Dwight Freeney proud. Sowell barely got a hand on the South Carolina product as Ingram blew past him and pounced on Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer for the sack.

“I think Melvin Ingram was on fire early on getting two sacks,” Chargers head coach Mike McCoy told reporters on Saturday.

Ingram understands what’s at stake. He has just six sacks and has played a total of 29 games in his first three seasons for the Chargers. It’s time for Ingram to show his eye-popping talent on a more consistent basis.

“It was a pleasure,” Ingram told Xtra 1360 Fox Sports Radio. “It was a just a blessing. Just knowing you’ve put in so much hard work, and when you get results like that it’s just a blessing.”

Chargers linebackers coach Mike Nolan put it more succinctly: “Melvin’s a playmaker,” he said.

Ingram’s game-changing plays shined a spotlight on San Diego’s young and talented linebackers group. Donald Butler once again showed why the Chargers signed him to a high-dollar contract, playing physical against the run and finishing with a sack.

In his third season, Manti Te'o handled play-calling duties as the quarterback of the defense, playing with confidence and anticipation. And second-year pro Jeremiah Attaochu recorded a sack, using his trademark athleticism to consistently finish around the football.

“We have some young, talented guys who have shown some promise, and you’re very hopeful in their development that it’s right around the corner,” Nolan said.