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Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is tackled by Chargers Alohi Gilman (32) and Derwin James Jr. (Matt Freed / Associated Press)
It’s more than just the playmaking, the positional versatility and the hard tackles. With star safety Derwin James Jr. suspended for one week, the Chargers are missing a vocal leader whose wide, bejeweled smile sets the tone for a secondary now tasked with stopping the defending Super Bowl champions without him.
“Derwin’s a big personality,” said safety Alohi Gilman, whose laid-back Hawaiian nature contrasts sharply with James’ fiery passion. “For me, I don’t really look at it as replacing him. I just be the best that I can be, and bring whatever energy that I got and my type of game to the table, and just got to elevate it a little bit more.”
James’ 21 tackles are the most for a Chargers defensive back through three games. One of three defensive captains, James will be missed not only for his production but also his leadership against the Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
The safety was suspended without pay after drawing an unnecessary roughness penalty on a tackle against the Steelers. The NFL cited James’ history of multiple personal fouls in recent seasons. James’ suspension was upheld after an appeal, and he will be eligible to return to the active roster on Sept. 30.
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh expressed disappointment about the suspension, saying there were “mitigating circumstances” on the particular hit. Harbaugh said he thought Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth had changed direction after catching the ball, which meant he was not defenseless, and tried to stiff-arm James’ helmet, which Harbaugh believed caused James to make helmet-to-helmet contact.
Read more: Even with off week ahead, Justin Herbert is determined not to miss Chargers-Chiefs
The coach also thought James made contact with Freiermuth’s forearm and shoulder before the head.
James, who has drawn five unnecessary roughness flags…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chargers-jim-harbaugh-disagrees-nfls-100605989.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-09-26 10:06:05
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