Tag: Derwin James

Jim Harbaugh voices disappointment over Derwin James’ one-game suspension

Jim Harbaugh is not pleased with Derwin James’ one-game suspension by the NFL.

Jim Harbaugh is not pleased with Derwin James’ one-game suspension by the NFL.

James was suspended by the league on Monday for a hit to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth in the third quarter of the Chargers’ 20-10 loss this past Sunday. He was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

“There was not a defenseless player; [he] changed his course, and I thought that Derwin’s helmet was stiff-armed by Mr. Freiermuth,” Harbaugh said. “I thought [the stiff-arm] caused his head to make the contact and I thought the contact was first with the forearm, then the shoulder, then the head.”

James’s appeal was upheld by hearing officer Derrick Brooks, who is jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players’ Association. As a result, he will miss this weekend’s game against the Chiefs.

James has five unnecessary roughness penalties in his past 18 games, which are the most in the league by a defensive player. All were to the head with his shoulder or helmet.

Harbaugh said that James has made an effort to avoid these penalties.

“He has reached out on his own to officials this past summer to gain a better grasp of how they want it done,” he said. “And the evidence is right there in the tape. I mean, look at all his 20-some tackles on the season and he’s going out his way … so that he can not injure another player or hit him with the head. So yeah, I’m disappointed.”

While James is sidelined this weekend, Elijah Molden would be in line to start opposite Alohi Gilman. They also have AJ Finley and Tony Jefferson will likely be promoted from the practice squad.

Chargers fall to middle of the pack in NFL power rankings after loss to Steelers

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 3

The Chargers lost to the Steelers in Week 3, 20-10.

After coming up short, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 16 (Previous: 14)

“Bad week for Team Harbaugh. With QB Justin Herbert and both starting offensive tackles injured and S Derwin James now suspended, can the Bolts just opt for a two-week bye rather than host K.C. – to whom they’ve lost five in a row – this Sunday?”

NFL: 14 (Previous: 7)

“When the Chargers intercepted Justin Fields midway through the third quarter, it put them in position to take control of the game, similar to how they leaned on the Raiders late in the Week 1 victory. But the Bolts went three-and-out, with Justin Herbert leaving the game due to injury, and it was all Steelers after that. They scored 10 points on their next two drives and bled out the final five minutes of clock to seal it. Los Angeles obviously can’t afford to lose Herbert for an extended period of time, so it was good news that his ankle ailment turned out to be about as positive as it probably could have been. The problem is that three other key Chargers left the game with injuries: edge menace Joey Bosa and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Taylor Heinicke was sacked three times in five dropbacks, which obviously isn’t a sustainable rate if he needs to step into the starting lineup for Herbert. It’s a bit of a scary time for the Chargers heading into a matchup with the Chiefs, but the early bye in Week 5 might end up being a blessing, allowing the Bolts to get their health in order.”

ESPN: 15 (Previous: 8)

Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to stars

Quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (MCL sprain) all left Sunday’s loss to the Steelers because of injuries. Those are perhaps the Chargers’ three most important offensive players, and without them, L.A. will have trouble running an effective offense. Herbert left in a walking boot, and receivers Joshua Palmer(elbow/calf) and DJ Chark Jr. (hip) are also nursing injuries that kept them out of Sunday’s loss. Now five Chargers offensive starters have lingering injuries heading into Week 4.

CBS Sports: 14 (Previous: 9)

“Losing Justin Herbert ended their chances against the Steelers. If he misses time with that ankle injury, they have major problems that their power offense can’t fix.”

Sports Illustrated: 15 (Previous: 12)

“I have no idea where to slot this team but it was instructive to see what happens to this iteration of a Jim Harbaugh team when they’re pushed back and unable to run the ball. Just 2.9 yards per carry for J.K. Dobbins meant that some of the buffer previously afforded to Justin Herbert evaporated. Without Herbert, this team quickly becomes extremely one-dimensional. Joe Alt was also knocked out in this one and will miss next week’s game against the Chiefs. I have a feeling that, during this eventual settling period, we will see Los Angeles find its home between Nos. 16 and 19 on this list with regularity.”

Bleacher Report: 14 (Previous: 13)

“…Jim Harbaugh has certainly put his stamp on this year’s Chargers team. While L.A. fell to 2-1 on Sunday, it continues to show that it’s going to play a tough, physical brand on both sides of the ball. It’s a formula that can make the Chargers competitive, regardless of the opponent or venue. However, injuries—which seem like a perennial issue in L.A.—are already a potential problem. Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Joey Bosa all left with injuries against Pittsburgh, and if any of them miss significant time, the Chargers will be in trouble.”

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 3

Here is how the Chargers compare statistically to the rest of the NFL after Week 3.

The Chargers fell to 2-1 after losing to the Steelers this past Sunday.

It was an underwhelming performance for Los Angeles that lost a few key starters along the way.

With Week 4 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 19.3 ppg 17th
Passing offense 125.7 ypg 31st
Rushing offense 152.0 ypg 7th
Total offense 277.7 ypg 25th
3rd down conversions 38.10% 16th
Red zone scoring 42.86% 24th
Sacks allowed 7 14th
Turnovers 2 7th

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 11.0 ppg 3rd
Passing defense 175.3 ypg 10th
Rushing defense 91.7 ypg 6th
Total defense 267.0 ypg 6th
3rd down conversions 32.50% 12th
Red zone defense 20.00% 2nd
Sacks 8 16th
Takeaways 5 6th

 

NFL suspends Chargers defensive back before Week 4 game vs. Chiefs

NFL suspends Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. before Week 4 game vs. Kansas City Chiefs | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs, fresh off a clutch victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night, will turn their attention to an AFC West matchup this weekend. The Los Angeles Chargers will be without a top player on defense following an NFL disciplinary ruling.

Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. has been suspended without pay for one game for repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players. The league offices released a press release focusing on this past Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In a letter to James, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan detailed that the suspension is for a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 10 (a), which states that “it is a foul if a player lowers his head and makes forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.” He noted that James has had multiple offenses for personal fouls in recent seasons.

“During the third quarter of Sunday’s Chargers-Steelers game, you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules,” said Runyan in the letter. “The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent, and the illegal contact could have been avoided.”

https://twitter.com/AriMeirov/status/1838353975164240164

“Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated,” said Runyan. “Substantial penalties are warranted when players violate the rules intended to protect player safety on a repeated basis, particularly when the violations carry with them a significant risk of injury to an opposing player.”

The Chargers star will be eligible to return to the active roster on Monday, September 30th, after the Week 4 matchup with the Chiefs.

Chargers’ Derwin James Jr. suspended 1 game for helmet-to-helmet collision

Chargers star Derwin James has been suspended 1 game for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 3. As expected, the safety will appeal the ruling.

Chargers star safety Derwin James’ physicality was on full display on Sunday against the Steelers. Unfortunately, it was a bit too much for the NFL’s liking. James was penalized for unnecessary roughness amidst the Chargers’ loss to the Steelers for a hit on tight end Pat Freiermuth.

On Monday, the league escalated the situation and suspended James for one game without pay for repeatedly violating player safety rules. The 15-yard penalty was one of several costly second-half flags from the Chargers, which the players discussed after the game.

The three-time Pro Bowler has become one of the hardest hitters in the NFL, but the league has tightened up on these plays. Freiermuth has dealt with several concussions in his young career, and the hit was a direct risk to another one.

The ruling shows how much the league has changed over the last 10 years. They’ve made it a point of emphasis to prioritize player safety, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, though, a lot of the physicality in the game has been eliminated.

The suspension sends a clear message to the rest of the league for the 2024 season. In an official statement, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan mentioned James “lowered his head and made forcible contact with his helmet against an opponent.”

As expected, James will appeal the league’s ruling. After all of the injuries the Chargers sustained on Sunday, this is the last bit of news that they needed. If and when James does miss a game, it will be a huge loss.

Through three weeks, James has been elite in defending the run. He’s been a vital part of the defense turning things around in Los Angeles. Most importantly, James has been able to stay healthy so far this season. We’ll see if the league overturns its ruling, but based on the official statement, that seems unlikely.

NFL suspends Chargers DB Derwin James for one game

Chargers DB Derwin James hit with one-game suspension

The NFL warned players they could face punitive action for continued violation of playing rules. Los Angeles Chargers DB Derwin James learned the league isn’t messing around.

“During the third quarter of Sunday’s Chargers-Steelers game you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules,” NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan said in a statement, explaining that James has had multiple offenses for personal fouls in previous years. “The video of the play shows that you lowered your head and made forcible contact to Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.

Chargers stars acknowledge costly second-half penalties as major reason for Week 3 loss

The Chargers’ costly second half penalties killed a lot of the team’s momentum. It led to their first loss of the 2024 season.

Things were looking good for the Chargers on Sunday when they took the lead into halftime against the Steelers. Unfortunately, all things went south in the second half.

Injuries were a huge reason for that, particularly Justin Herbert’s re-aggravation of his ongoing ankle issue. The players and coaching staff aren’t using that as an excuse, though. After their first loss of the season, several players acknowledged the second-half penalties as a momentum killer.

“That was the name of the game. We did a lot of shooting ourselves in the foot out there,” Khalil Mack said.

Mack was called for a roughing the passer penalty in the second half, which still seems questionable. One could argue that Mack was blocked and even pushed into Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, but it was a call that pushed Pittsburgh further down the field.

Safety Derwin James, who had a stellar game, acknowledged the Chargers’ need to play clean moving forward. After their stellar opening 30 minutes, they were never able to sustain any sort of momentum in the second half.

“We just got to play clean,” James said. “I got to look at some of mine, I didn’t get to look at them. But just play clean football, I had one of them, a big one.”

He later added: “I’m not here to referee. I’m playing fast, I’m not thinking about no flag.”

Penalties, albeit a few questionable calls from the referees, set the team back several times. For a team that prioritizes discipline under Jim Harbaugh, it was disappointing to see in those final 30 minutes. Ultimately, it was all too much to overcome at Acrisure Stadium.

The Chargers finished the game with seven penalties for 69 yards, a stark contrast to the Steelers’ three flags for just 15 yards. If Los Angeles wants any chance against the Chiefs in Week 4, they must clean things up in that department.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 3 loss to Steelers

Find out who Pro Football Focus tabbed as their winners and losers from the Chargers’ loss to the Steelers.

In Week 3, the Chargers came up short to the Steelers, 20-10.

Things were looking good for Los Angeles, who went to halftime with the lead. But they got hit with the injury bug in the third quarter, losing Rashawn Slater and Justin Herbert, and eventually just ran out of steam.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s game, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

WR Ladd McConkey — 71.3

TE Will Dissly — 69.1

OL Zion Johnson — 68.1

OL Jamaree Salyer — 67.3

WR Quentin Johnston — 66.2

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Khalil Mack — 82.2

CB Kristian Fulton — 74.0

LB Denzel Perryman — 63.6

DL Morgan Fox — 63.3

LB Daiyan Henley — 62.7

Bottom 5 Offense

OT Trey Pipkins — 46.2

OL Bradley Bozeman — 49.4

FB Scott Matlock — 49.5

RB J.K. Dobbins — 49.8

TE Hayden Hurst — 50.1

Bottom 5 Defense

S Elijah Molden — 29.5

DL Otito Ogbonnia — 38.6

LB Bud Dupree — 41.0

DL Scott Matlock — 42.1

DL Teair Tart — 47.8

Chargers soar in NFL power rankings after win over Panthers

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 2

The Chargers came away with a win in Week 2, defeating the Panthers, 26-3.

After picking up the victory, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 14 (Previous: 18)

“The schedule’s been Charmin soft yet conducive to launching redemption tours for RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Quentin Johnston and OLB Joey Bosa. The Bolts are half the equation to a .500 start from the Harbaugh brothers in 2024.”

NFL: 7 (Previous: 12)

“Among the signs that things are different under Jim Harbaugh: The team has allowed 13 points through two games and has run the ball three times for every two passes attempted. On the first part, playing the Raiders and Panthers has a little something to do with that, but there’s no question the defense is playing a different brand of ball than it has in some time. To the second point, recent iterations of the Chargers’ offense had it at an inverse pass-run ratio, often putting way too much on Justin Herbert’s plate and not taking advantage of the team’s strength on the offensive line. This squad might not be special in many ways, but it’s absolutely maximizing its strengths and minimizing its likely weaknesses. That’s been a big part of the 2-0 start. Now, with the unbeaten Steelers and Chiefs on deck, we’ll find out how good this Bolts team really is.”

ESPN: 8 (Previous: 17)

Most important backup/role player: LB Tuli Tuipulotu

“Tuipulotu had an impactful 2023 season, finishing seventh among rookies in sacks (4.5). The second-round pick is behind one of the league’s best edge rusher pairings in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, but both players are aging and Bosa hasn’t played an entire season since 2021. The Chargers already rotate Tuipulotu significantly; he had the third-most snaps at edge (27) in Sunday’s win over the Panthers. He ensures there’s little drop-off when Bosa or Mack aren’t on the field, and he’s essential to a defense trying to rebound from being among the worst in the NFL last season.”

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 11)

“At 2-0, Jim Harbaugh has this team playing a physical brand of football. They better keep it that way with a trip to face the Steelers this week.”

Sports Illustrated: 12 (Previous: 15)

“Pittsburgh and Kansas City are next, two teams that should help us answer the major question attached to this team: who are these guys? J.K. Dobbins has been the heartwarming story of this season, but so has the fact that the Chargers are carving teams up with one of the lowest run block win rates in the NFL (and, much to the chagrin of previous Chargers regimes, the best run stop win rate in the NFL).”

Bleacher Report: 13 (Previous: 19)

“…Jim Harbaugh is doing it again. The man simply knows how to coach. The Chargers are off to a 2-0 start despite a lingering foot injury to Herbert and questions about the squad’s roster makeup. Certain surprises on offense are allowing the Chargers to be explosive despite major question marks at the skill positions entering the season. Let’s not forget: The Chargers moved on from Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing with 266 yards at a staggering 9.9 yards per carry. Also, Johnston showed signs of real progress Sunday with two touchdown grabs against the Panthers.”

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 2

Here is how the Chargers compare statistically to the rest of the NFL after Week 2.

After defeating the Panthers in Week 2, the Chargers will face the Steelers this Sunday and look to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2002.

Los Angeles’ success has come from its dominant defense and rushing attack. The passing game has taken a backseat since the team has had no problem running all over its opponents the past two weeks.

With Week 3 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 24.0 ppg 11th
Passing offense 135.0 ypg 28th
Rushing offense 197.5 ypg 2nd
Total offense 332.5 ypg 12th
3rd down conversions 41.94% 10th
Red zone scoring 50.00% 10th
Sacks allowed 2 T-1st
Turnovers 2 13th

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 6.5 ppg 1st
Passing defense 147.0 ypg 6th
Rushing defense 80.5 ypg 6th
Total defense 227.5 ypg 2nd
3rd down conversions 23.08% 2nd
Red zone defense — 1st
Sacks 6 10th
Takeaways 4 6th