At his media availability, Brandon Staley was asked about the penalties racked up by Derwin James in the Cowboys game and throughout the season. Staley issued a rather blunt response:
He needs to change his approach because he needs to stop being penalized. He needs to lower his target and play the aggressive game that he plays, but he has to lower his strike zone and make sure that he’s making good decisions. It is the way it is and you have to make adjustments when you’ve had things go the other way. And he will, he’s too smart of a player. He’s such a leader on our team.
James was flagged twice against Dallas for penalties that cost Los Angeles 30 yards. Through four games, he’s already had four penalties called on him. The most penalties committed by James in a season was six in 2022, a mark he’s certainly on pace to break.
James gave some of his thoughts when the penalties were inevitably brought up at his media availability session. On how the refs are calling flags this season, James said this:
I’m already going low, and then guys are ducking. I just have to get low, I guess. I’m a professional, they pay me to do my job. If they’re going to call it like that, I have to be responsible and not hurt my team and get better from it. It’s that simple.
James also answered a follow-up question that asked if he thinks the referees are officiating him differently following his disqualification in Week 15 vs. the Colts last season. While he believes they are officiating him “a little bit” differently since that hit, the former Florida State product ultimately thinks the onus is on him to adjust and help the team.
James and the Chargers enter a critical matchup against the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium after letting Monday’s game slip away. Asked about the matchup with star tight end Travis Kelce, James said he “can’t wait.” The two tend to match up well against each other, as seen in the rivalry over the last few years.
Hopefully, James’ penalty issues are corrected quickly, as the Chargers can’t afford to give up any extra ground to the Chiefs in a must-win game.