Derwin James Jr. hated watching Chargers … but loved what he was seeing?

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) pointed to the opposition ducking heads before contact for some of his tackling safety issues. (Matt Freed / Associated Press)

Derwin James Jr. didn’t necessarily like the view, but he liked what he saw.

The safety who was suspended for the Chargers’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs watched on his television as his defensive teammates forced two takeaways against the two-time defending Super Bowl champions.

The way teammates were zooming across the field and communicating, despite not having one of their defensive captains, brought a proud smile to James’ face, even if the final 17-10 score did not.

“To know I’m a part of that, what a special defense we have, it’s just amazing,” James said Wednesday. “I couldn’t wait to get back out here to work with these guys.”

The star safety returned to the team this week after a one-game suspension for multiple player safety violations. With James back, the team released safety Tony Jefferson and signed him to the practice squad Tuesday while releasing offensive lineman Braeden Daniels.

Chargers safeties Alohi Gilman (32) and Derwin James Jr. tackle 6-foot-5 Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. (Matt Freed / Associated Press)

James called the suspension “very disappointing” and reiterated his only objective on the field is to play fast and make plays. He said he did not get extensive feedback about his tackling technique during the appeals process, which upheld the NFL’s suspension. The primary instruction was to get lower on his tackles.

The 6-foot-2 James noted that he was often taller than some of the players he is tackling, especially when offensive players duck their heads to brace for contact, although the Week 3 hit that got him suspended was on 6-foot-5 Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth.

“We just gotta adjust,” James said. “Don’t want to hurt my team. Play clean football and make plays, that’s all I’m trying to do.”

James watched from afar as the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/derwin-james-jr-hated-watching-224604756.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-10-02 22:46:04

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