Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers

In the high-stakes world of NFL defense, few plays shift momentum like a well-timed interception—and for the Los Angeles Chargers, safety Derwin James Jr. has emerged as a master of this game-changing skill. Through 15 games of the 2025 season, James has recorded 5 interceptions, tying his career high and ranking among the top 5 safeties in the AFC. Each of these picks has told a story: from last-second game-savers to momentum-shifting plays that turned the tide of tight matchups. Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers breaks down the details of each interception, exploring James’ elite football IQ, his ability to read quarterbacks, and how these plays have solidified his status as one of the league’s most versatile defensive playmakers. For Chargers fans, James’ interceptions aren’t just stats—they’re moments of excitement that have kept the team in the playoff hunt.

Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his first interception of the season, a Week 3 game-changer against the Minnesota Vikings. With the Chargers trailing 17-14 in the third quarter and the Vikings driving deep into Chargers territory (at the 18-yard line), Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins attempted a fade pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson in the end zone. James, who had been lined up as a deep safety, read Cousins’ eyes perfectly—breaking off his coverage to sprint toward the corner of the end zone. He arrived just as the ball did, leaping above Jefferson to snag the interception with one hand, then landing safely in bounds to end the Vikings’ scoring threat. The play was later named the NFL’s “Interception of the Week,” with analysts praising James’ timing and athleticism. “I knew Cousins liked to target Justin in the red zone, so I stayed patient,” James said in a post-game interview. “When I saw him look that way, I just reacted. That’s the kind of play you practice hundreds of times in training camp—you just hope it pays off when it counts.” The interception sparked a Chargers rally, with the team going on to win 24-17.

A second standout interception, highlighted in Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers, came in Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs—a critical divisional matchup that the Chargers won 31-28. With 2:30 left in the fourth quarter and the Chiefs trailing by 3 points, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempted a deep pass to tight end Travis Kelce, hoping to set up a game-winning score. James, who had been moved to a linebacker position earlier in the drive to counter the Chiefs’ run-heavy formation, dropped back into coverage at the last second—using his speed to close the gap on Kelce. As the ball sailed toward Kelce, James jumped in front of the tight end, intercepting the pass at the Chargers’ 40-yard line and returning it 15 yards before being tackled. The play sealed the win for the Chargers, marking James’ first career interception against the Chiefs. “Mahomes is one of the best, so you have to stay locked in every play,” James explained. “I saw him look toward Travis, and I just trusted my instincts. This is a big win for our team, and I’m glad I could help contribute.” The interception was later featured in the NFL’s “Top 10 Plays of the Week,” with analysts noting James’ versatility to play multiple positions and still make game-changing plays.

Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers also features a Week 12 interception against the Cleveland Browns that showcased James’ ability to make plays in traffic. With the Browns leading 21-17 in the second quarter and driving to the Chargers’ 25-yard line, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson threw a quick slant pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper, who was surrounded by three Chargers defenders. James, who was lined up as a strong safety, anticipated the slant route—diving in front of Cooper to catch the ball mid-air, then rolling to his feet and returning it 20 yards to the Browns’ 45-yard line. The interception set up a Chargers touchdown two plays later, tying the game at 21-21. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this play was a reminder of James’ ability to read offenses and make quick decisions—even when surrounded by chaos. “That’s the thing about Derwin—he’s always in the right place at the right time,” Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley said. “He studies film like crazy, so he knows exactly what offenses are going to do before they do it. That interception wasn’t luck—it was preparation.” James finished the game with 8 tackles, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.

Another memorable interception from James, explored in Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers, came in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos—a game the Chargers won 31-24 to keep their playoff hopes alive. With the Broncos leading 24-21 in the third quarter and driving to the Chargers’ 30-yard line, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson attempted a pass to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who was running a deep post route. James, who had been playing deep center field, tracked the ball perfectly—outrunning Jeudy to the ball and intercepting it at the Chargers’ 5-yard line, then returning it 30 yards to the 35-yard line. The interception halted the Broncos’ momentum and set up a Chargers field goal that tied the game at 24-24. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this play was a testament to James’ speed and endurance—he had already recorded 7 tackles in the game but still had the energy to make a game-changing play. “Russell has a strong arm, so you have to get there fast,” James said after the game. “I just kept running and hoped I could get to the ball before Jerry. 幸运的是 (Luckily), I did. This win is huge for us—we’re still fighting, and we’re not going to stop.” The interception marked James’ fifth of the season, tying his career high set in 2018.

Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with a look at the broader impact of James’ interceptions on the Chargers’ season. Each of his 5 picks has come in a game that the Chargers won, and four of them have either tied the game or given the Chargers the lead. Beyond the immediate momentum shifts, James’ interceptions have also boosted the confidence of the entire defense—setting a standard for playmaking that other players have followed. “Derwin’s interceptions aren’t just about him—they’re about our entire defense,” Chargers head coach Brandon Staley said. “When he makes a play like that, it fires everyone up. It makes us all want to play harder, because we know what’s possible.” For James, the interceptions are a reflection of his commitment to the team and his love for the game. “I play this game to win, and interceptions are just one way I can help the team,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play for the Chargers, and I’m going to keep working hard to make more plays for this team and these fans.” In the end, Derwin James Jr.'s Interceptions for the Los Angeles Chargers isn’t just a story about individual success—it’s a story about how one player’s skill, preparation, and heart can lift an entire team and keep their playoff dreams alive.