Charger Report

Chargers' defense getting proper recognition as Derwin James wins weekly NFL award

Los Angeles Chargers' All-Pro safety Derwin James has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Richie Whitt|
Chargers safety Derwin James (3) celebrates after defeating the Broncos in Week 3.
Chargers safety Derwin James (3) celebrates after defeating the Broncos in Week 3. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles Chargers

Another week, another dominating performance by a Los Angeles Chargers' defensive player. This one - authored by safety Derwin James - is getting its proper recognition.

For his performance in last Sunday's 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos, the Chargers' All-Pro safety has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. James helped the Chargers improve to 3-0 by recording 12 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack in the overtime win.

MORE: Chargers legends Drew Brees and Philip Rivers head 2026 Hall of Fame candidates

James became just the sixth NFL player and first defensive back to have 10 solo tackles, a sack and four tackles for loss in a single game since tackles for loss began being tracked in 2008. It is the first such award for him, though twice before he's been named AFC Defensive Player of the Month.

While quarterback Justin Herbert has justly grabbed most of the Chargers' headlines with his unprecedented hot start, it's Jim Harbaugh's defense that has powered the Bolts to their undefeated start.

MORE: TV host claims Chargers' Harbaugh, Herbert better combo than peanut butter and jelly

Linebacker Daiyan Henley has been equally impressive, recording a huge red-zone sack of Patrick Mahomes in the win over the Kansas City Chiefs and then putting on a one-man show with 10 tackles (two for loss), two passes defensed, an interception and an 11-yard sack of Geno Smith that ended a late fourth-quarter possession in the win over the Raiders on Monday Night Football.

James, Henley and the defense gets to face a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start Sunday in New York when the Chargers face Jaxson Dart and the Giants.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) is stopped by Chargers linebacker Kyle Kennard (54) and safety Derwin James (3).
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) is stopped by Chargers linebacker Kyle Kennard (54) and safety Derwin James (3). | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers defense set to face Jaxson Dart in first career NFL start

Chargers’ Teair Tart trolls Broncos and Justin Herbert likes it

Former Chargers player opens up about the cause of Najee Harris' injury

Published
Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

Share on XFollow richiewhitt
Home/Los Angeles Chargers Latest News