Derwin James Jr. Anchors the Los Angeles Chargers Defense

In a season where the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense has faced its share of adversity—from key injuries to inconsistent performances—one player has stood as an unwavering constant: safety Derwin James Jr. The fifth-year pro, known for his versatility, physicality, and football IQ, has emerged as the heart and soul of the Chargers’ defensive unit, capable of impacting the game from nearly every position on the field. Whether he’s lining up as a traditional safety, blitzing off the edge, covering slot receivers, or stopping the run at the line of scrimmage, James has proven time and again that he’s not just a playmaker—he’s the anchor that holds the defense together. Derwin James Jr. Anchors the Los Angeles Chargers Defense explores how James’ unique skill set, leadership, and clutch performances have defined the Chargers’ defense this season, and why he’s widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive players.

Derwin James Jr. Anchors the Los Angeles Chargers Defense begins with James’ positional versatility—a trait that has redefined the Chargers’ defensive scheme and made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Unlike most safeties, who are limited to either pass coverage or run support, James seamlessly transitions between roles, often shifting positions multiple times in a single drive. This season, he’s spent 40% of his snaps at free safety, 30% at strong safety, 20% as a slot cornerback, and 10% as an edge rusher— a level of flexibility that forces offensive coordinators to constantly adjust their game plans. In Week 8 against the Chicago Bears, James showcased this versatility perfectly: he started the game by intercepting a pass in coverage, later sacked quarterback Justin Fields on a blitz, and finished with 12 tackles (including two for loss) while helping shut down the Bears’ running game. “Derwin is a chess piece that you can move anywhere on the board,” Chargers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. “He has the speed to cover receivers, the strength to stop runners, and the instincts to rush the passer. Opponents can’t game-plan for him because they never know where he’s going to be. That’s the kind of player who changes the entire dynamic of a defense.” James’ versatility has also allowed Graham to design more aggressive schemes, knowing James can fill gaps and cover mistakes if other players misalign.

A second key aspect of James’ impact is his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments—often single-handedly swinging the momentum of games in the Chargers’ favor. Time and again this season, James has stepped up when the defense needed him most, making critical plays to secure wins or keep the Chargers in contention. In Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals, with the Chargers trailing by three points in the fourth quarter, James intercepted Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in the end zone, then followed that up with a forced fumble on the Cardinals’ next drive to set up the Chargers’ game-winning touchdown. In Week 14 against the Kansas City Chiefs, he recorded 14 tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection, holding Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to just 45 receiving yards (well below his season average of 72 yards per game). “Derwin has this ability to sense when the game is on the line and elevate his play,” Chargers linebacker Eric Kendricks said. “He’s not just a great player—he’s a closer. When we need a stop, when we need a turnover, he’s the guy we look to. He has this calmness about him in pressure situations that rubs off on everyone else. You know if Derwin is on the field, we have a chance to win.” James’ clutch performances have not gone unnoticed by the league: he’s currently tied for the NFL lead among safeties with 4 interceptions and ranks in the top 5 with 115 tackles and 5 sacks.

Derwin James Jr. Anchors the Los Angeles Chargers Defense also includes James’ leadership off the field and in the locker room—a role that has become increasingly important for the Los Angeles Chargers’ young defensive unit. This season, the Chargers’ defense features several rookies and second-year players, including cornerback Jakorian Bennett, defensive tackle Tuli Tuipulotu, and linebacker Daiyan Henley. James has taken it upon himself to mentor these young players, hosting weekly film sessions, sharing tips on practice habits, and helping them adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Before each game, James leads a defensive huddle where he delivers a pre-game speech, often focusing on accountability and teamwork. “Derwin is more than a teammate—he’s a leader and a mentor,” Bennett said. “He’ll pull me aside after practice to go over film of my coverage, tell me what I did right and what I need to fix. He doesn’t just want to be great himself—he wants all of us to be great. That’s the kind of leader that builds a winning culture.” James’ leadership has also been critical during tough stretches, like when the Chargers lost three consecutive games in November. During that slump, he organized a players-only meeting to rally the defense, urging his teammates to “stay focused, stay together, and trust the process.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, James’ leadership has been just as valuable as his on-field talent, helping to keep the defense motivated and unified through adversity.

Another notable part of James’ impact is his durability and consistency—traits that have made him a reliable presence for the Los Angeles Chargers, even when other key defenders have been sidelined by injuries. In his first four seasons, James dealt with injury issues, missing 23 games due to knee and ankle injuries. But this season, he’s stayed healthy, starting all 15 games and playing over 95% of the Chargers’ defensive snaps—the highest snap count on the team. This durability has been crucial, as the Chargers have lost several key defenders to injuries, including edge rusher Joey Bosa (season-ending knee injury), defensive tackle Austin Johnson (ankle injury), and cornerback J.C. Jackson (knee injury). “Derwin’s availability this season has been a game-changer,” Graham said. “When you lose players like Bosa and Johnson, it’s easy for a defense to fold. But Derwin has stepped up, filled in where needed, and kept the defense functioning at a high level. He’s the kind of player you can count on to be there every week, giving 100% on every snap. For the Los Angeles Chargers, that consistency has been invaluable. It gives the entire defense confidence knowing that Derwin is out there, leading the way.” James’ consistency is also reflected in his stats: he’s recorded at least 8 tackles in 10 of the Chargers’ 15 games, and has at least one pass deflection in 8 games.

Finally, Derwin James Jr. Anchors the Los Angeles Chargers Defense wraps up with the long-term impact James has on the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense and his case for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). While the Chargers may not make the playoffs this season, James’ performance has put him in the conversation for the NFL’s top defensive honor—a rare feat for a safety. He currently ranks first among safeties in tackles, sacks, and interceptions, and has been a key reason the Chargers rank in the top 10 in the NFL in takeaways (26) and red-zone defense (opponents score touchdowns on just 42% of red-zone trips). “Derwin is the best defensive player in the NFL this season—there’s no debate,” Kendricks said. “He does things that no other safety in the league can do. He impacts the game in every phase, and he’s the reason our defense is still competitive even with all the injuries. He deserves DPOY, plain and simple.” Beyond individual honors, James’ presence has positioned the Chargers’ defense for long-term success. His ability to play multiple positions and mentor young players means the Chargers can build their defensive scheme around him for years to come. For the Los Angeles Chargers, James is more than just a player—he’s the foundation of their defense, a leader who sets the standard for excellence, and a talent that makes the entire team better. Derwin James Jr. Anchors the Los Angeles Chargers Defense ultimately shows that in the NFL, a truly great player doesn’t just make plays—he elevates everyone around him. And for the Chargers, Derwin James Jr. is that player.