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Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. has used mixed martial arts training to sharpen his skills on the football field. (Matt Freed / Associated Press)
Plays go awry. Opponents score touchdowns. The Chargers even can lose a close game, but through every on-field adversity, Derwin James Jr. calmly looks at Daiyan Henley and reminds the second-year linebacker that they’ve conquered more difficult things together.
They think about the mixed martial arts workouts at a West Hollywood gym where they grappled, wrestled and tackled until their lungs burned and muscles ached.
Where they, as the name of the gym suggests, became “unbreakable.”
Where they plotted Henley’s breakout year that’s beginning to take shape.
“Everything he wants is right in front of him,” said James, the team’s star safety. “He can be, man, one of the best linebackers in this league.”
After a forgettable rookie season in which the third-round pick totaled just 10 tackles, Henley has grown into a breakout star of the Chargers’ resurgent defense. The former Crenshaw High standout leads the NFL’s No. 1-ranked scoring defense with 99 tackles, including five consecutive games with double-digit stops, the longest streak by a Charger since the turn of the century. With 10 or more tackles against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Henley would tie the longest streak since 2000 for any player in his first two NFL seasons.
Henley is a stout force against the run game. He can drop back in pass coverage and has five pass breakups. He is a constant presence on special teams.
Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., left, and linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) tackle Ravens running back Derrick Henry during a game earlier this season. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
“He’s that new-age linebacker that can really do it all,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said.
Jim Harbaugh noticed Henley’s unique blend of size, strength and speed almost immediately when the new coach and his staff took over in the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/unbreakable-mma-training-forged-bond-123047310.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-11-30 12:30:00
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