Chargers safety Derwin James is entering his third season as a professional.
After finishing his rookie season with Pro Bowl and All-Pro accolades under his belt, the expectations were high for the former Florida State product going into the 2019 season.
Unfortunately, a foot injury sustained during training camp of last year wiped out nearly all of his sophomore campaign. Upon returning in Week 12, James reminded all how much of a difference-maker he is.
In five games, he finished the season with 34 tackles, three tackles for loss and passes defensed.
Now completely healthy, James is eager to turn heads once again this upcoming season.
The only difference between this year and last year is that Los Angeles will have more reinforcements on the defensive side of the ball to help become one of the top units in the NFL, including four-time Pro Bowler cornerback Chris Harris Jr, who was acquired in free agency.
“I know Chris,” James said. “I knew of Chris before we traded for him. I always thought that he was a great player and I feel like he still has a lot in the tank – and I feel like just adding him will allow the defense to be very multiple.”
In addition, the Chargers traded up for linebacker Kenneth Murray in last week’s NFL draft. Murray joins the company of rookie standout from last season, LB Drue Tranquill.
“He a dog,” James said about Murray. “Sideline to sideline he makes plays that jump out.” James expects Murray to make an “immediate impact.”
Although the pieces to becoming an elite defense are in place, the thing that matters the most is what they do on the field. James believes that forcing turnovers will be the most crucial this season, as they ranked second-worst in 2019 with a -17 turnover differential.
“Takeaways. I feel like we gotta get the ball. It’s all about the ball. Last year we were down in the takeaways margin, and I feel like getting more takeaways and the ball. Whether it’s sacks, interceptions or fumbles, we just need to get the ball more,” James said.