Derwin James Jr. didn’t essentially just like the view, however he preferred what he noticed.
The security who was suspended for the Chargers’ recreation towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs watched on his tv as his defensive teammates pressured two takeaways towards the two-time defending Tremendous Bowl champions.
The best way teammates had been zooming throughout the sphere and speaking, regardless of not having considered one of their defensive captains, introduced a proud smile to James’ face, even when the ultimate 17-10 rating didn’t.
“To know I’m a part of that, what a special defense we have, it’s just amazing,” James stated Wednesday. “I couldn’t wait to get back out here to work with these guys.”
The star security returned to the workforce this week after a one-game suspension for a number of participant security violations. With James again, the workforce launched security Tony Jefferson and signed him to the apply squad Tuesday whereas releasing offensive lineman Braeden Daniels.
Chargers safeties Alohi Gilman (32) and Derwin James Jr. sort out 6-foot-5 Steelers tight finish Pat Freiermuth.
(Matt Freed / Related Press)
James known as the suspension “very disappointing” and reiterated his solely goal on the sphere is to play quick and make performs. He stated he didn’t get in depth suggestions about his tackling method through the appeals course of, which upheld the NFL’s suspension. The first instruction was to get decrease on his tackles.
The 6-foot-2 James famous that he was typically taller than a few of the gamers he’s tackling, particularly when offensive gamers duck their heads to brace for contact, though the Week 3 hit that received him suspended was on 6-foot-5 Steelers tight finish Pat Freiermuth.
“We just gotta adjust,” James stated. “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 because the Chargers (2-2) misplaced a sixth straight recreation to their AFC West rivals. The Chargers had been shorthanded with out beginning offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (knee) and star exterior linebacker Joey Bosa (hip).
In James’ place, defensive again Elijah Molden performed a season-high 61 defensive snaps with eight tackles and a fumble restoration. Molden has change into a key cog within the secondary since becoming a member of the Chargers after coaching camp in a commerce with the Tennessee Titans, beginning three video games with 18 tackles and one interception.
“What he’s done has been outstanding, but wasn’t unexpected,” stated normal supervisor Joe Hortiz, who traded a 2026 seventh-round decide for the previous Washington Huskies star. “He is a talented athlete and he’s a very smart football player and he’s highly competitive.”
Hortiz, who spoke to reporters publicly Wednesday for the primary time since April, has earned raves for his begin as a normal supervisor. After 15 years with the Baltimore Ravens, most just lately because the director of participant personnel, Hortiz has labored seamlessly with Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh to retool the roster with the coach’s objective of taking part in extra bodily soccer.
Working with Harbaugh has been like collaborating with a member of the family, Hortiz stated. The primary-time normal supervisor already thought of Baltimore coach John Harbaugh like a brother. Adopting one other Harbaugh brother was simple.
“It’s huge for the GM and head coach to exist well,” Hortiz stated. “Sometimes you have to work at it. We don’t have to work at this, man. We have the same type of vision and philosophy. We have fun.”
The entrance workplace alignment has trickled all the way down to the sphere, James stated, as he feels Hortiz and the personnel division “really give us an edge.”
“I feel like our depth is getting stronger,” James stated. “That’s what we’re building out here, building a full, complete team.”
Having earned the nickname “Chef Hortiz,” for the best way he’s cooking up transactions, the overall supervisor is making ready his subsequent dishes. With the commerce deadline looming on Nov. 5, Hortiz stated the workforce will “always be listening and looking.”
“If it’s the right opportunity that makes sense for our roster and for our future,” he continued. “For right now and for the future.”
And many others.
Quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle), linebackers Junior Colson (hamstring) and Daiyan Henley (elbow), Bosa and offensive sort out Slater had been among the many key gamers who weren’t seen on the apply area through the media viewing interval. … Linebacker Nick Niemann returned to apply for the primary time since being positioned on injured reserve with a hamstring harm. The workforce opened the 21-day window for return Tuesday.
