Rams must know where star rookie Derwin James is at all times Sunday
Cameron DaSilva
[
theramswire.usatoday.com]
When the Los Angeles Rams trot their offense onto the field Sunday, there will be one notable player missing from the Chargers’ defensive line: Joey Bosa. Big No. 99 won’t be out there as he recovers from a foot injury, but that’s not to say the Chargers don’t have playmakers on that side of the ball.
Casey Hayward is an elite cover corner and Melvin Ingram is a pass rusher off the edge, two players the Rams have to account for. However, the biggest threat to the Rams offense might be a guy with just two career starts under his belt.
That’s right. Derwin James is a star in the making and could absolutely wreck Sean McVay’s game plan. Like many of the top safeties in the NFL, James is someone you have to locate before every snap and try to determine his assignment for the coming play. Is he in centerfield? Is he the nickel corner? Did Gus Bradley put him in the box?
Take a look at where James has lined up this season.
That’s uncommon for a safety, let alone a rookie through two games. He can truly play anywhere on defense outside of nose tackle, which presents challenges for the opposing offense.
He’s making plays when the ball comes his way, too. On the year, he has 10 tackles, two sacks, six quarterback pressures and three passes defensed. One of his best plays of the season came when he batted a sure touchdown away from Tyreek Hill in the end zone, turning and running with him from his free safety position.
Although he doesn’t have an interception yet, he’s one of just eight safeties with at least three passes defensed, tying for the lead at his position. And guess how many players – not just safeties – have three pass breakups and two sacks this season. Ready? One: Derwin James.
He could’ve had a few more sacks against the Bills, too, if not for overrunning the quarterback and Josh Allen shaking him loose once.
He’s a dangerous blitzer off the edge, timing his rushes perfectly.
And one more example (not sure what the left tackle is doing here).
The Chargers have a star on their hands and he’s arguably their most dangerous defensive weapon outside of Hayward at corner. Expect James to cover everyone from Tyler Higbee to Cooper Kupp to Todd Gurley, making it difficult for Jared Goff to read the defense before each play.
If he keeps up this play, everyone’s going to wonder how he fell into the Chargers’ lap at No. 17 in April.
