Derwin James earns top defense honor

(News4usOnline) – The defense of the Los Angeles Chargers will go as far as safety Derwin James Jr. will take them. After three games, James has led the Chargers to an unbeaten mark and the top spot in the AFC West Division. 

The Chargers are 3-0 for the first time since 2002, thanks to impressive wins against the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos. 

In the Chargers’ 23-20 win against the Broncos at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 21, James was the main catalyst for LA’s defense. He was simply all over the field, making life miserable for Denver quarterback Bo Nix and the entire Broncos’ offense. 

James made a dozen tackles. Ten of those takedowns were solo tackles. He also recorded a sack of Nix and had a total of four tackles for losses. And when the Chargers needed their defensive leader the most, James led the way. 

The Chargers trailed Denver 17-13 after three quarters. With James and the defense making critical stops, the Chargers outscored the Broncos 10-3 in the fourth period to claim their third win of the season. 

As a result of his outstanding play against the Broncos, James was picked as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. After the game, James talked about the team making it through the divisional gauntlet of teams to remain unbeaten. 

“It means a lot,” James said about going undefeated through the first three games. “We’re trying to win them all. Excited. Big win.”

When it comes to having to play three divisional opponents right out of the gate to start the season, James and his teammates didn’t see that as a negative, but something to look forward to. 

“We don’t look at it as a challenge; we look at it as the next opportunity,” James remarked. “We took advantage of the opportunity. We’re 3-0 in the division. It’s going to help us in the long run.”