Derwin James Stress Fracture, Updated - Out 3 to 4 Months

[Steve]

Listen, we aren't the same D, but we have other DB who can play.I don't see that as anywhere near the issue some do. We won't be a top 5, maybe even top 10 D, but I don't think the D needs to be that great.

OL was always the issue and it seems to be getting worse. On the one hand, NO was blitzing and stunting way more than a 2nd preseason game should. Most 2nd preseason games, you can truthfully say that you aren't ready for it, because you don't game plan for teams. We miss Okung badly.

But we have been practicing against them, so I am pretty sure we have seen some of what they have thrown at us in practice. And while they did a lot of it, it was not like what they threw at us was all that special. Our OL just really struggles with picking up guys on the move. The Cardale TD was a nice example of the OL picking up an overload blitz and Cardale took care of the other by getting the ball out on time, but the rest of it we really struggled with.

THe OL has shown some flashes, especially in the run game, but you would expect after last season, they would have put in more serious work vs the stunts and blitzes and we can see they are still struggling with it.

[Formula 21]

NO threw a lot of different blitz packages at the OL. I was glad to see it. Get our OL more experience against it.

[Steve]

I would have been more excited to see our guys handle it better. We looked confused.

[wu-dai clan]

I would have been more excited to see our guys handle it better. We looked confused.

That was a big problem last year.
UGH...

[richpjr]

Sigh

[glutton4Bolts]

I know you are supposed to have a "next guy up" mentality... but this team always plays w/o at least one of it's best players at all times due to injuries. It is getting ridiculous. Only PR is more valuable to this team IMO. James played almost every D position last year and more importantly, he could be counted on to shut down opposing TEs like Kelce in key situations. Even worse... while they say that he will miss 3-4 months... he will likely not be his normal explosive self until the following season. The chances of winning it all are so slim even when you are talented... and the Chargers just lost their best D player for the foreseeable future. I am beyond miserable about it.

[Formula 21]

Sigh

Bent a screw? How much pressure is he putting on that thing? The screw is weaker than the bone?

[Formula 21]

Roderic Teamer, the summer standout, played the most snaps by any defensive player on Sunday. 21 snaps came at linebacker, 19 at slot cornerback, six on the defensive line and three at free safety. Teamer had a great game, finishing with 3 tackles and one sack.

There's our James replacement.

[OhioBolt]

I know you are supposed to have a "next guy up" mentality... but this team always plays w/o at least one of it's best players at all times due to injuries. It is getting ridiculous. Only PR is more valuable to this team IMO. James played almost every D position last year and more importantly, he could be counted on to shut down opposing TEs like Kelce in key situations. Even worse... while they say that he will miss 3-4 months... he will likely not be his normal explosive self until the following season. The chances of winning it all are so slim even when you are talented... and the Chargers just lost their best D player for the foreseeable future. I am beyond miserable about it.

It isn't like an ACL like when Hunter Henry came back late you can tell he just wasn't explosive, but with a fracture is making sure it is completely healed, 4 months worse case he is ready the last two games 12/22 vs Raiders and 12/29 @ Chiefs that is all based on us being in playoff contention that gets him a few games conditioning in game situations ready for playoff push. Best case scenario he comes back in 3 months and ease him slowly into games.

[sonorajim]

Bent a screw? How much pressure is he putting on that thing? The screw is weaker than the bone?

Healthy bone flexes some. Screw, not so much apparently.

[foreigner]

Three months from now is mid-November. We play the Chiefs on MNF on Nov 18. It would be really nice to have him back for that first Chiefs game!

And I... am going to be there.

[shruggy]

Our path to winning the Super Bowl has got a lot more interesting now.

I wonder who'll be named our Super Bowl MVP.