Touchy Subject....How is Derwin James "Elite"?

[Velo]

https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/news/chargers-news-derwin-james-takes-top-spot-for-pffs-safety-rankings-rks97

1. DERWIN JAMES, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

James is the league’s most dynamic playmaker at safety. There isn’t a better combination of run defense (75.3 grade), coverage (74.5) and pass rush (90.9). His 77.6 overall grade ranked 13th among all qualified safeties in 2022. He racked up two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four sacks. On any given day, the soon-to-be 27-year-old has the ability to be the best safety in football. If he has another performance similar to his rookie year (87.8 overall grade), he’ll be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

Imagine if Derwin didn't inflict those explosive unnecessary hits (that resulted in 1st downs + 15 yards + self-inflicted injury). He'd have more playing time, opposing defense get less chance in scoring points, and his stat's would've been better. The combination of those stats above bolded are on his "down" year which are still better than any other safety in the NFL.

That said...he regulates and wastes his talent by taking himself out of games.

"His 77.6 overall grade ranked 13th among all qualified safeties in 2022."

This is elite? The highest paid safety in the NFL?

[captaind]

"His 77.6 overall grade ranked 13th among all qualified safeties in 2022."

This is elite? The highest paid safety in the NFL?

12 other safeties want a pay raise if that's the case.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Just watching Chargers Weekly. Even Matt Money Smith said Derwin is not playing well this year.

[jubei]

He is always trumpeted by Staley as the leader of the defense...well the defense he leads sucks...gives up more explosive plays than anyone...cant get off the field on 3rd down...gives up 25 points a game...always ranked among the worst defenses

Can someone tell me what is elite here because I honestly don't see it. ( i no longer care about his rookie season) Past reputations on some of these really highly paid defenders isn't enough for me anymore

tells you what you need to know about BS's BS. he must have the slickest snake oil ever cuz how can he have gotten a job being a HC when he is this bad? some people just interview well I guess. or have some voodoo shit beforehand against the owner. it's probably combo of car salesman-talk plus dumb gm plus dumb ownership. He probably said he'd give game balls to them all during a win. well i hope they didnt go buy a buncha footballs this year cuz they wont be able to return it after 90 days.

[Fleet 1]

Trade him to the Raiders plus a 2nd for Davante.

[Topcat]

Trade him to the Raiders plus a 2nd for Davante.

Davante would be nice, but I'd rather have a solid corner right now...or even a solid C...

[Topcat]

Just watching Chargers Weekly. Even Matt Money Smith said Derwin is not playing well this year.

But...but...Derwin is the STAR...
(The FALLING Star, that is...)

[richpjr]

[CanadianBoltFan]

Derwin has played Kelce well in general...except when Kelce gets away and wins the game in crunch time that is

But if Derwin is healthy and plays, given he is not having a good season, simplify things and give him ONE task on Sunday. Stay with Kelce no matter what, where he goes what he does..worry only about Kelce. Shadow him.

There are no other pass catcher on this offense that scare anyone. Let the other defenders lock them down. You keep Kelce under control, get pressure on Mahomes with Bosa, Mack, Tuli this average offense this year wont do much

[Bolt4Knob]

tells you what you need to know about BS's BS. he must have the slickest snake oil ever cuz how can he have gotten a job being a HC when he is this bad? some people just interview well I guess. or have some voodoo shit beforehand against the owner. it's probably combo of car salesman-talk plus dumb gm plus dumb ownership. He probably said he'd give game balls to them all during a win. well i hope they didnt go buy a buncha footballs this year cuz they wont be able to return it after 90 days.

I think Staley doesn't know how to use James

James has not been playing smart football with the penalties

but this defense hasn't gotten better over three years - thats coaching or player personnel

[Velo]

Derwin has played Kelce well in general...except when Kelce gets away and wins the game in crunch time that is

But if Derwin is healthy and plays, given he is not having a good season, simplify things and give him ONE task on Sunday. Stay with Kelce no matter what, where he goes what he does..worry only about Kelce. Shadow him.

There are no other pass catcher on this offense that scare anyone. Let the other defenders lock them down. You keep Kelce under control, get pressure on Mahomes with Bosa, Mack, Tuli this average offense this year wont do much

Derwin did a good job escorting Kelce into the end zone last season to seal the season sweep for the Chiefs, moments after Herbert/Keenan/Ekeler/Palmer gave the Chargers a 4 pt lead with 1:46 left. And of course on the Chiefs' game-winning drive, Derwin got flagged on a third down play which Mahomes failed to convert, gifting the Chiefs a 1st down.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Derwin did a good job escorting Kelce into the end zone last season to seal the season sweep for the Chiefs, moments after Herbert/Keenan/Ekeler/Palmer gave the Chargers a 4 pt lead with 1:46 left. And of course on the Chiefs' game-winning drive, Derwin got flagged on a third down play which Mahomes failed to convert, gifting the Chiefs a 1st down.

Classic