Los Angeles Chargers: Derwin James looking to step up as leader

Following consecutive seasons marred by injuries, Derwin James is back to prove why he’s one of the league’s best defensive players. Instead of ignoring the questions of whether he’s injury prone, the former Florida State defensive back put an end to the discussions. 

“I hate when people say, ‘If y’all stay healthy … ,’ ” James said via NFL.com, speaking of both himself and the Chargers in general. “I’m tired of that. I’m going to stay healthy and we’re going to stay healthy. We’re speaking that into the air.”

Evidently, James isn’t fond of people questioning his ability – or his team’s. In a short amount of time, he’s already got the attention of his new veteran teammate, former Denver Broncos defensive back, Chris Harris Jr.

“I’ve played with a lot of great people in the secondary — Hall of Famers like Champ (Bailey) and Dawk (Brian Dawkins) – but it’s hard to say anybody is like this kid, the way he loves the game, the way he competes every day,” Harris said. “He’s very smart and has a great enthusiasm about him, a great spirit about him. And he has freakish talent. 

“He can run, has great quickness, very physical and strong. The season could definitely change with him out there. He’s that special of a player.”

Harris Jr. and the rest of the Chargers defenders benefit from James being on the field. With the defensive star healthy again, their jobs all become a little bit easier.

“Do you want to be out here?!”

Earlier this summer, James’ leadership abilities were on display during a 11-on-11 drill. In said drill, the Chargers defense was missing a cornerback – and James immediately made it a teaching moment. 

“Do you want to be out here?!” exclaimed James.

After his call to action, the dynamic defensive star was asked about his reaction to the moment.

“I challenged him because there’s no reason we should ever have 10 guys on defense,” he said. “If anything, we should have 12 guys out there. The coach should have to pull you off the field, not hold things up to get you on the field. That’s telling me that you don’t want to be there.

“It’s all about mindset when you take the field, and having the right approach. Having 10 guys, I don’t like that.”

This season, James won’t let silly mistakes like that cost his team. Instead of chalking it up to a summer mistake, the Chargers star made it into a teaching moment.

“That alpha leader.”

Finally, the Chargers front office still sees how special James is. Since drafting James in 2018, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco has enjoyed the evolution of the star defender.

“He holds guys accountable, but he does it in the right way,” Telesco said. “He knows when to push on guys, and he knows when to pat them on the back. He has a great feel and we missed that last season. He’s that alpha leader that everyone follows.”

Watch out, the Los Angeles Chargers have their alpha leader back. In 2021, Derwin James will look to put the rest of the league on notice once again.