Chargers safety Derwin James calls team defense trash after Raiders loss
Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl safety Derwin James described the team's defense as "trash" following Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, marking the second consecutive defeat for Los Angeles. James, who is playing through a…
Los Angeles Chargers Pro Bowl safety Derwin James described the team's defense as "trash" following Sunday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, marking the second consecutive defeat for Los Angeles. James, who is playing through a broken left pinky finger, told reporters that the squad must confront its failures directly to improve its performance.
The Chargers entered the season with a schedule that appeared favorable, featuring the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders in the first two weeks. However, those projected wins turned into losses, with the team allowing 26 points and scoring only 14 in both games. The defense has allowed an average of 349 yards per game and has recorded just one takeaway through the first two contests.
James told reporters via the team's website that the group needs to look each other in the eye and tell the truth to get better. He stated that the current performance looks like trash and that anger alone does not fix the underlying problems.
James added that while he feels the team is only a few plays away from winning, there is no excuse for the current level of play. He noted that the losses have not been blowouts, but the team must find a way to secure victories.
Despite James's individual production, which includes 17 tackles and a pass breakup in the first two games, the rest of the roster must step up to create a meaningful impact as the season progresses. Statistical analysis from OPTA Stats highlighted the historical rarity of Los Angeles's start, noting that the Chargers are the second team in NFL history to lose back-to-back games by double digits at home against opponents who had a sub-.200 win percentage the previous season. OPTA Stats identified the 1926 Racine Tornadoes as the only other team to achieve this distinction.
The upcoming schedule offers little respite for the struggling squad. The Chargers will travel to face the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 before heading to Seattle to play the Seahawks in Week 4.
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