Tag: Derwin James

Chargers safety Derwin James wins EA Sports’ Madden 20 Tournament

No one wants to take on Derwin James on the football field, as well as on Madden.

Chargers safety Derwin James is one of the best players in the league, and one of the best Madden players.

James was crowned champion of the Checkdown x Madden Tournament, which was a Madden 20 tournament to help raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts, taking down Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

James used the 49ers while Hill played with the Bears.

Hill couldn’t find the scoreboard, only managing three points after scoring 104 points in the last two rounds prior to the championship matchup. Meanwhile, James’ offense was too dominant for Hill to stop as he racked up a whopping 52 points.

James worked his way to the top by taking down his own teammate Keenan Allen 14-6 in the first-round, following that up by defeating Eagles’ DeSean Jackson by the score of 50-27 in the semifinals.

With his earnings from winning the tourney, a donation will be made in James’ name to a COVID-19 charity of choice.

Chargers’ Derwin James reacts to Isaiah Simmons’ blazing 40-yard dash

Derwin James had to give kudos to Isaiah Simmons for an outstanding feat on Saturday.

Day 3 of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine featured the defensive linemen and linebackers.

Arguably the biggest highlight that caught the attention of all 32 NFL teams, as well as players in the league, including Chargers safety Derwin James was Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

Simmons ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, which was tied for the fifth-fastest time of any player at any position through Saturday.

That time is the second-fastest a linebacker has achieved since 2006. He was just .01 seconds behind the fastest in that time frame, a 4.38 by Seahawks’ Shaquem Griffin in 2018.

His tweet gave off the idea that the two could possibly be on the same field together to create a dynamic tandem, but James and Simmons share the same agency (Athletes First), so it was just to show kudos for the phenomenal feat.

Nonetheless, Simmons likely caught the attention of the Chargers, who have the No. 6 overall selection in the draft. Like James, Simmons is a true chess piece on the defensive side of the ball. He can blitz, play the run, cover in the slot and play special teams.

Jets make puzzling pick in CBS Sports’ post-Super Bowl mock draft

New York opts for the best player available in CBS Sports’ new mock. In this case, that’s Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

With the NFL season coming to a close on Sunday night, the window for mock draft season opened up.

Although the draft is still months away, that hasn’t stopped pundits from trying to predict the first round and beyond. Following the Super Bowl, CBS Sports whipped up its latest mock draft, pairing the Jets with an interesting selection.

With three consecutive offensive linemen taken in front of the Jets, New York opts for the best player available rather than taking or potentially reaching for a need. That’s how Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons lands in green and white in this post-Super Bowl mock.

Here is CBS Sports’ explanation for the surprising selection:

The Jets have glaring needs along the offensive line and at wide receiver but four tackles are already off the board and this class is deep at WR. Instead, New York takes Simmons, who can line up just about anywhere on the field. He reminds us of a bigger version of Derwin James.

Simmons is the prototypical player for today’s NFL. He can go from rushing off the edge to off-ball to slot coverage with ease. While Simmons is probably one of the best defensive prospects in this draft and certainly one of the closest prospects to being a sure thing, it doesn’t excuse the Jets from passing on wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb.

The Clemson product is certainly a polarizing prospect who the Jets would be able to line up all over the defense. The thing is, the Jets already have that type of player in Jamal Adams, who compares similarly to Derwin James.

In any event, if the Jets find themselves in this situation, they should put the 11th pick up for sale and open up for business. Adding more draft capital and trading back to take an offensive lineman, say Houston’s Josh Jones, is the safe route. The safe route isn’t sexy, but the Jets don’t have the roster flexibility to ignore glaring holes in the first round if the team has any intentions of competing in 2020.

Chargers’ Nasir Adderley positioned for a breakout season in 2020

Nasir Adderley is poised for a breakout campaign in 2020.

The Los Angeles Chargers were in need of finding a difference-maker at the free safety position to pair with strong safety Derwin James heading into the 2019 regular season.

The team took defensive tackle Jerry Tillery in the first-round of the draft, and a round later they were able to snag Nasir Adderley – a player who was viewed as a first rounder throughout the pre-draft process.

The former Delaware product had high expectations heading into the summer, but he was derailed by a lingering hamstring issue that had been ongoing even before he was selected.

Adderley’s injury forced him to miss mandatory minicamp and most of training camp. He made his NFL debut in the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers, where he recorded an interception, giving fans a glimpse of the talented safety.

Unfortunately, that was the only positive showing in his first year. The hamstring continued to be an issue, which forced the team to place him on the injured reserve.

Adderley only played 10 defensive snaps in four regular season games.

With a full offseason to get back to full health, everyone is hopeful that he can make an impact next season – which is why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox pegged listed him as a potential breakout player in 2020.

The Los Angeles Chargers scooped up former Delaware safety Nasir Adderley in the second round of last year’s draft. A versatile defensive back, Adderley was supposed to partner with second-year man Derwin James to give the Chargers two young playmakers in their secondary. But a hamstring injury limited Adderley to just four games.

“It wasn’t the rookie year I was expecting. I was hoping to make a big impact,” Adderley said, per Gilbert Manzano of the Orange County Register.

If healthy, Adderley should have the opportunity to claim the starting job from Rayshawn Jenkins, who will be a free agent after the 2020 season. In the meantime, Adderley’s versatility and ball skills should earn him opportunities in sub-packages and at cornerback.

With opposing quarterbacks looking to avoid players such as James and Casey Hayward Jr., Adderley’s ball skills could lead to breakout production in next season.

Even if Adderley is healthy, being penciled in as the starting free safety is not a given. Rayshawn Jenkins, who started at the position all season, was promising in the role. Jenkins is under contract through the 2020 season.

Luckily, Adderley does offer some versatility as he played cornerback in college before moving to the free safety position.

If the Chargers wish to keep Jenkins as the starter, Adderley could resort back to playing corner since he is strong in zone coverage, where he can use his route anticipation and ball skills to flourish.

Adderley will likely be a full participant when offseason workouts begin in April. This will be a big season for the second-year safety, who is hopeful to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball.

Chargers players react to the death of Kobe Bryant

Players of the Los Angeles Chargers react after the heartbreaking news.

The sports world was absolutely heartbroken when news broke of Kobe Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The five-time NBA champion was 41 years old.

Los Angeles Chargers players took to Twitter and expressed their shock and sorrow after hearing about the passing of one of the best players to play the game.

Shining Sophomore or Sophomore Slump? Grading Chargers’ 2018 draft class’ second season

Chargers Wire grades the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2018 draft class’ second season to determine if the sophomores slumped or shined.

When evaluating the previous season as a whole, it’s easy to make quick judgements on the rookie class. Yet, we forget about the group that was brought in the year prior.

In 2018, general manager Tom Telesco made the point to load up on the defensive side of the ball, as well as bring in some offensive players later on that were thought to make some contributions.

With that, let’s take a look at whether the second-year players shined or slumped:

Round 1, Safety Derwin James

Coming off an outstanding rookie season, the expectations were at an all-time high for James. Unfortunately, his campaign was put to a halt as he sustained a foot injury which required surgery that kept him out for the majority of the year. Though the defense were relatively solid, his absence was evident. Upon returning in Week 13, his impact was felt immediately. James, the chess piece on the defensive side of the ball, made plays in coverage, against the run and as an additional blitzer. In five games, he posted 34 tackles, three tackles for loss and one pass deflected.

Grade: A, but incomplete

Round 2, LB Uchenna Nwosu

Entering this season, it was expected that Nwosu was going to take over as the full-time SAM after the team elected to move on from Kyle Emanuel. But that’s not how it turned out after all. Nwosu primarily backed up defensive end Melvin Ingram at LEO, getting snaps when Ingram would come off the field, which was not very often. He received almost 100 more snaps than he did last year, but his production took a bit of a dip in the pass-rushing department. Nwosu only posted two sacks after finishing with 3.5 in 2018, and he only had seven quarterback hits this season compared to last season where he had 10. Nwosu did make more of an impact as a run defender, finishing with five tackles for loss. The jury is still out whether or not Nwosu will take on more of an expanded role next season.

Grade: B-

Round 3, DT Justin Jones

It wasn’t until near the end of the 2018 season when Jones really started to come into his own. Jones used the offseason to shed some weight to get quicker and more agile. From how his sophomore season went, the tactic that he used paid dividends. Even though he missed four games due to an injury, Jones was arguably one of the team’s best interior defenders, making an impact as a pass-rusher and run defender. The former North Carolina State product finished 30 tackles, six quarterback pressures, two tackles for loss, one pass deflected and a forced fumble.

Grade: B+

Round 4, LB Kyzir White

After flashing very early on in his rookie season, White’s year was cut short after sustaining a knee injury. White used the time off to get healthier, stronger and bigger as he was up 13 pounds entering the offseason. He started the season as the starting middle linebacker while Denzel Perryman was nursing an ankle injury for the first two games. White struggled in that role, so Perryman took over. With Thomas Davis serving as the starting WILL, that only left White with one option: SAM. With the Chargers playing a lot of nickel packages, that means the SAM doesn’t see the field as much. Because of that, White didn’t play as much as many were expecting. When White did see the field, he was making plays. The former West Virginia product finished with 40 tackles, two passes defensed and one tackle for loss. The expectation is that when Davis is no longer with the team, then White will likely take over that role full-time.

Grade: B

Round 5, C Scott Quessenberry

The offensive line wasn’t particularly a bright spot for the Chargers due to injuries that occurred throughout the season. But when one man (Pouncey) went down, another stepped up. Quessenberry made an impact early on that many may have not been expecting from him when handing him the starting duties. But you could tell that he benefited from learning from a four-time Pro Bowler. The former UCLA product was consistent in pass protection and in the run blocking department. Depending on what happens with Pouncey, Quessenberry could be in line to start as early as next season.

Grade: A-

Round 6, WR Dylan Cantrell

After dealing with a shoulder injury in his rookie season, Cantrell, the summer standout, was expected to take a big leap in Year 2. Unfortunately, the injury reoccured and was he ultimately waived by the team in July. He cleared waivers and reverted to the injured reserve. He never made an appearance this past season and his future with Los Angeles remains to be seen.

Grade: N/A

Round 7, RB Justin Jackson

While RB Melvin Gordon dealt with an injury in 2018, it didn’t take long for Jackson to raise some eyebrows with his play. Fast forward to 2019 when Gordon held out for a quarter of the season, Jackson still maintained the model of consistency, flashing as a runner. In the first three games of the season while serving as the complimentary back to Austin Ekeler, Jackson rushed for 142 yards, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. From that point on, he was banged up by a hamstring injury, and he didn’t benefit from Gordon’s return. Should the Chargers choose to move on from Gordon, Jackson is likely going to be due for a huge uptick in snaps moving forward.

Grade: B+

What Chargers players said after loss to Raiders

Players of the Los Angeles Chargers voice how they felt following the loss to the Oakland Raiders.

The Oakland Raiders defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16 of the regular season on Sunday afternoon.

Even though the Chargers didn’t have anything to play for since they had been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, it was evident in their effort on the field.

“In that first half, we just didn’t come out with no passion. It shows and they hopped on us and we couldn’t get the lead back. I feel like there was some passion gone,” running back Melvin Gordon said.

Part of the reason why they couldn’t find success was their lackluster performance in the running game, as they only managed 19 yards on 16 carries.

“It was a tough day running the ball. For whatever reason, we were getting stuffed or even losing yards. It’s hard to get your offense going when they make you one-dimensional,” running back Austin Ekeler said.

Not only was it the ground game that struggled. The defense allowed too many big plays, both through the air and on the ground, which put the unit into a deeper hole.

One of the lone bright spots, safety Derwin James, acknowledged that the team was beat, saying the Raiders straight up whooped their a**.

The loss dropped Los Angeles to 5-10 and 0-5 in divisional play. Defensive end Joey Bosa knows they have a talented team and with a couple key additions to the roster, they should be back to their winning ways in 2020.

After three years playing at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Chargers are set to embark on a new era at SoFi Stadium, which will be shared with the Rams starting in 2020.

One thing the team will hope to eventually gain is a large fan base that’s in favor of them, rather than the opposing team.

“That didn’t have anything to do with the outcome of the game. But being someone that remembers what it used to be like at home games (in San Diego), it’s pretty bad. You appreciate the Chargers fans that are out there, but it is disheartening to say the least,” quarterback Philip Rivers said.

 

Stopping Vikings RB Dalvin Cook is critical for a Chargers victory

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is going to be a tough task for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to play spoiler this weekend against a Minnesota Vikings team that’s eager to earn the crown as NFC North champions.

The Vikings can beat their opponents in a multitude a ways, but it’s been running back Dalvin Cook that has been the knockout punch, posting one of his best seasons yet.

There were many that believed Cook would breakout in 2019 after being hampered with injuries in his first two seasons, playing in a new zone scheme under Gary Kubiak. With durability still a concern, Cook has defied the odds.

Heading into Week 15, Cook is tied for the league lead with 13 rushing touchdowns, while ranking fourth in the NFL with 1,108 rushing yards and second with 1,611 yards from scrimmage.

Cook has really come into his own, beating opposing defenses with his power, elusiveness, contact balance and speed when the football is in hands.

[wpvideo GHg30BXs]

Cook has been utilized out of the backfield as a receiver quite often, where he shines in space.

[wpvideo ukZ14Gdb]

His speed is what makes him so dangerous in the screen game, making it difficult for defenders to keep pace.

Outside of being another weapon for quarterback Kirk Cousins in the passing game, he has done some amazing things on the ground.

[wpvideo qrfB0nEA]

[wpvideo YU3AccRC]

Cook’s power and contact balance is second-to-none. He will make defenders pay and tackling is an area that’s been a struggle for the Chargers.

[wpvideo YhBszDkf]

Cook’s footwork and vision are off the charts. The Chargers have to play gap sound football to make sure he doesn’t find cutback lanes.

[wpvideo 6IEJHyaL]

If the Chargers over pursue, Cook is going to notice and find openings for big gains, allowing the Vikings to control the clock.

Overall, stopping Cook isn’t going to be an easy task.

Though the Chargers run defense has been a lot better in previous weeks, especially with the return of safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips, Cook presents a challenge that this team hasn’t faced this season.

They can’t load the box because Cousins will eat in the passing game with wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. The Bolts need to have gap integrity, make sure their tackling is on point and they can’t over pursue to the football.

[lawrence-related id=31727,31719,31708,31699]

4 takeaways from Chargers’ victory over Jaguars

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers four thoughts from the Chargers’ victory over the Jaguars on Sunday.

The Los Angeles Chargers snapped their three-game losing skid with a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here are four takeaways from the win in Week 14:

Have a day, offense

After a slew of stagnant showings on the offensive side of the ball, the group knew they could be in line for a breakout performance facing a Jaguars defense that’s been gashed all season long. Indeed, they did by delivering their best outing yet.

Quarterback Philip Rivers, who turned 38 on Sunday, finished with 16-of-22 passing for 314 yards and three touchdowns. He linked up with six different players, which included several explosive days that put the Jaguars to bed early on. As a result, they broke 40 points for the first time this season.

Running back Austin Ekeler became the first Chargers back since Lionel James in 1985 to record 100 yards on the ground and another 100 receiving yards in the same game. Wide receiver Keenan Allen added 83 yards on five catches and Mike Williams posted 63 yards on two grabs, including his first touchdown of the season.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Key takeaways from first half of Chargers vs. Jaguars

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out what stood out in the first half of the Chargers and Jaguars’ Week 14 matchup.

The Los Angeles Chargers lead the Jacksonville Jaguars at the halfway mark, 24-3.

Here are some key takeaways from the first half of play:

  • The Chargers knew that the Jaguars run defense ranks near the bottom of the league and they have done a fine job exploiting it. Going to them early on, running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler are currently averaging 10.7 yards per carry.
  • Quarterback Philip Rivers is 12-of-17 passing for 152 yards and a touchdown, with the majority of his success coming from short passes that turned into big gains. Rivers took two shots deep to tight end Hunter Henry and wide receiver Jalen Guyton, but one was slightly overthrown and the other was dropped.
  • The offensive play-calling has brilliant. The Chargers are making an effort to find the running backs in space in the passing game today and they’ve been getting creative to exploit the backend of the Jaguars defense. This is something that we addressed how they need to fix their red zone woes and it’s working as they’re 2 for 2.
  • Wide receiver Keenan Allen leads the team with three receptions for 60 yards.

  • You can’t ask for a better performance from the defense, holding the Jags to only three points. The only thing that’s been killing them is missed tackles at the first and second levels.
  • Linebacker Drue Tranquill is leading the team with five tackles. Defensive end Joey Bosa posted a sack and a tackle for loss. Safety Derwin James has a pass defended.

[lawrence-related id=31541,31533,31526,31504]