Chargers' Derwin James in Concussion Protocol After Ejection for Hit on Ashton Dulin
Dec 27, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 10: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers takes the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at SoFi Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has entered concussion protocol following Monday night's win over the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Brandon Staley told reporters after the game.
James was ejected in the first quarter after hitting Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin in the head and neck area with the crown of his helmet. Dulin also entered concussion protocol and didn't return to the game after the hit.
James, a five-year NFL veteran, entered Monday's game having posted one interception, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, four sacks, 106 tackles, five tackles for a loss and five quarterback hits in 12 games.
The Bolts selected James with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft.
His rookie season couldn't have been much better. In 16 starts, the former Florida State star amassed three interceptions, 13 pass breakups, 105 tackles and 3.5 sacks en route to Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
The Chargers went 11-5 and defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round before losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
Unfortunately, James only played five games over the next two years.
A stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot suffered during a mid-August practice in 2019 forced him to miss the season's first 11 games. He returned for the final five and had 34 tackles (three for a loss) and one pass breakup.
James suffered a torn right meniscus during an Aug. 30, 2020 practice that required surgery and forced him to miss the entire season.
However, James returned to his dominant self in 2021 with his second Pro Bowl year. He finished the season with 15 starts that resulted in 118 tackles (75 solo), seven pass breakups and two sacks.
Unfortunately, if James is sidelined yet again, the Chargers lose the heart and soul of their defense. He's one of the most exciting and productive defensive backs when healthy, and hopefully, he returns as soon as possible to lead the Bolts' D once again.
Without him, look for Alohi Gilman to fill Derwin's spot. The 25-year-old, who is in his third NFL season, has 44 tackles in 14 games this season.
Chargers CB J.C. Jackson Arrested in Connection to 'Family Issue'
Dec 19, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CA - OCTOBER 23: Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) during the Seattle Seahawks vs Los Angeles Chargers on October 23, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson reportedly was arrested on Monday afternoon.
According to Julianna Lima of Boston 25 News, Jackson was booked at the Bristol County Jail and House of Correction in connection to what was described as a "family issue."
Lima reported Jackson had been making an appearance at probate court before he was detained by Fall River police.
The Chargers released a statement to reporters addressing the matter, saying, "We are aware of media reports this afternoon pertaining to J.C. Jackson. We will continue to gather information on the matter and will refrain from further comment at this time."
Jackson was placed on injured reserve after suffering a dislocated kneecap against the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 23, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. He totaled 15 tackles and two passes defended in five games. The 27-year-old signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with Los Angeles this past offseason after playing the first four years of his career with the New England Patriots.
In 2021, Jackson established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL when he led the league with 23 passes defended while adding 58 total tackles and eight interceptions. He earned his first career Pro Bowl selection and was named second-team All-Pro.
During his redshirt freshman season at Florida in 2015, Jackson was arrested in connection with an armed robbery and faced multiple charges. He was eventually found not guilty on all counts. After his acquittal, he transferred to a local community college for a year before transferring to Maryland in 2016.
Justin or Tua? After SNF, There's No Question Herbert Is the Superior QB
Dec 12, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 11: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers passes during a game against the Miami Dolphins at SoFi Stadium on December 11, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert and Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa will be forever linked and compared after being back-to-back selections during the 2020 NFL draft, even though one has been clearly better throughout their careers, this season and when their two teams met Sunday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
When the two are juxtaposed, the difference is about the same as when the Avengers assemble and Thor and Hawkeye join forces. Herbert has God-given skills and abilities most can't even fathom, while Tagovailoa is a useful teammate with pinpoint accuracy to help in daunting situations.
The difference in natural ability is staggering, though, and was evident during the Chargers' 23-17 victory. The two signal-callers weren't even on the same plane of existence, and it should quiet anyone who believes Tagovailoa has earned elite status.
Sunday's performance showed a quarterback with better poise, pocket movement and natural arm talent, despite playing with a lesser supporting cast.
The 7-6 Chargers—who currently claim the AFC's precious and final seventh spot if the postseason began today—rely on Herbert to elevate the play of everyone around him and lift the team into the playoffs.
"You'll become less and less surprised as the game goes," a high-ranking NFL source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler before the season even began. "He'll be the best QB in the game."
Meanwhile, Tagovailoa is a deadly distributor. He's a sniper capable of picking apart opponents with pinpoint accuracy while working within the confines of Miami's offensive scheme.
Both approaches can be highly successful based on the situation. These comparisons shouldn't be viewed as a slight by any stretch of the imagination. The Dolphins have proved they can put a successful team on the field with a quarterback operating at a high level based on their approach.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
The real difference is what happens when everything breaks down. The abilities to work off-platform, make second-window throws and create outside of structure are more important than ever. The likes of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen have revolutionized how the position is played. Herbert brings those traits to the table.
Los Angeles' record is indicative of the trials and tribulations the roster faced this year. Mainly, the offensive line has three inexperienced starters in first-round guard Zion Johnson, sixth-round left tackle Jamaree Salyer and former undrafted right tackle Foster Sarell.
Herbert presents both subtle movement to escape pressure in the pocket and the athleticism to create when he breaks the pocket. Both are absolutely vital to the offense's success.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the 24-year-old evaded a career-high five pressures and completed 13 passes on the run—or two more than anyone in a single game since 2016. Herbert currently leads the NFL with 69 completions, 718 passing yards, eight touchdown passes and a positive-11.2 completion percentage over expected when on the move.
Offensive line issues tend to be minimized with a mobile quarterback who doubles as the unit's best playmaker.
In total, Herbert posted a new single-game personal best with 39 completions while moving into first place in passing yardage through the first three seasons of a career.
The type of throws that Herbert completes can be dumbfounding because they shouldn't be possible.
"It's tough," wider receiver Keenan Allen said of catching Herbert's line-drive passes, per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "The first year was tough, this year is way slower, and like I said, I think he's just understanding the defense more, understanding how he can throw the passes, understanding when to throw the passes and just not playing all arm."
While the Chargers lack speed on the outside and, oftentimes, healthy targets, their franchise signal-caller throws the ball with staggering placement in unfair angles for defenders befuddled by a pass coming in their direction.
How many quarterbacks are running a designed rollout to their right only to throw the ball across their body, past the opposite hash and 48 yards down the field? Those who should even attempt that type of pass with any hope of completing it can be counted on one hand with fingers to spare.
The Herbert and Mike Williams playmaking duo has been on point all game 🔥 #BoltUp
"He's a special arm talent," Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes told Thiry. "He throws some passes that I don't think anyone can throw in this league, and that includes myself. He has a cannon for an arm, you watch—I watch on film every week because we play similar opponents—there's some throws that you just kind of shake your head because they are just that special."
Conversely, Tagovailoa is a rhythm passer. His anticipation and touch are special, though neither trait has been nearly effective the last two weeks against more aggressive defenses.
Prior to Sunday's contest, the former fifth overall draft pick led the NFL in QB rating and Football Outsider's defense-adjusted value over average metric. His timing and accuracy have been thrown off, and it's shown in his performance.
Tagovailoa completed a paltry 35.7 percent of his passes against the Chargers. The passing game never looked in sync. A week earlier, the San Francisco 49ers held the Dolphins' quarterback to a 54.6 completion percentage.
The difference lies in how those units are handling Miami's dynamic wide receivers.
The Chargers used press coverage for a season-high of 35 percent on detached routes, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Los Angeles' defensive backs jammed at the line of scrimmage and rerouted their targets to throw off the passing game's timing.
Opponents must account for Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle's speed, but the advantage can be negated to a degree when they're not in the right spots once Tagovailoa expects to throw.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
"A lot of us had an off night," Hill told reporters after the game. "I have to take responsibility, too."
If not for Hill, the Chargers would have posted a blowout victory. A flukish 57-yard scoop-and-score by the speedy wide receiver after Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. fumbled the ball was Miami's only offensive output during the first half.
Midway through the third quarter, Chargers defensive back Michael Davis tripped over Hill's feet and fell down to leave the league's fastest man wide open for a 60-yard score.
Beyond that, the Dolphins got very little going. They must adapt to teams being far more physical, thus forcing Tagovailoa to readjust on the fly.
While Miami's quarterback accounts for how opponents are now playing him and his talented surrounding cast, Herbert can go about his business being the mightier of the two. He's the option teams take 10 times out of 10 if they're starting a franchise. He's the limitless one.
Fortunately, everyone can put to rest any conversation of these two being of the same caliber after seeing both on the field during the same contest, with Herbert clearly emerging as the victor in both outcome and individual performance.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
'Incredible' Justin Herbert Draws Rave Reviews from Twitter as Chargers Beat Dolphins
Dec 12, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert established himself as one of the best young signal callers in the NFL long ago, and he proved that yet again with a stellar performance in a primetime matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Herbert powered the Chargers to a 23-17 victory on Sunday Night Football to help the team improve to 7-6. The 24-year-old threw for 367 yards and a touchdown on 39-of-51 passing with no turnovers to lead the way.
Sunday's game looked more like a showcase of Herbert's skills, as he dazzled with tight-window throws as well as deep passes that dropped right into Chargers receivers' hands. He spread the ball around, too, as nine players registered at least one catch.
NFL Twitter heaped praise on Herbert for another impressive showing, with many touting him as a bonafide superstar:
Justin Herbert is incredible. And for anyone to call him a “social media” QB is laugh out loud funny and just flat out wrong analysis.
The Chargers are fighting to get into the postseason picture. Sunday's win moved Los Angeles into the seventh seed, but a victory by the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football would put the team on the outside looking in.
With Herbert under center, the Chargers have the ability to compete against any team in the NFL. He's a quarterback that makes players around him better, and he will continue to do so if he stays healthy for the rest of the year.
The Chargers will face another tough matchup next Sunday when they host the Tennessee Titans (7-6), who are in first place in the AFC South. Herbert will have to be at his best once again for the team to earn a second successive win.
J.J. Watt, Twitter Rip 'Absurd' Roughing the Passer Penalty on Dolphins vs. Chargers
Dec 12, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is chased by -Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The NFL has taken great strides in recent years to protect quarterbacks, but questionable roughing the passer penalties have ignited a wave of scrutiny throughout the 2022 season.
Another such occurrence took place in the third quarter of Sunday night's game between the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers when Dolphins defensive end Jaelan Phillips laid a hit on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert that appeared to be a routine tackle, but he was called for a penalty. A sack would've caused the Los Angeles offense to go three-and-out, but the flag extended the drive.
Part of the issue is that roughing the passer penalties cannot be reviewed to amend any real-time mistakes. However, when referees make these calls that can affect the outcome of a game, criticism is warranted.
NFL Twitter lit up with reactions to the penalty, as many were unhappy that Phillips was the subject of what was perceived to be an unnecessary call:
At the time of the penalty, the Dolphins were trailing 17-7. The Chargers' drive ended with a punt, but things obviously could've been worse.
Miami is hoping to maintain its playoff position, while Los Angeles is fighting to make its way into the postseason picture.
NFL Rumors: Sean Payton Considering Return as HC; Linked to Saints, Rams and Chargers
Dec 11, 2022
ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 09: New Orleans head coach Sean Payton watches his team warm up prior to the start of the NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons on January 9th, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
If Sean Payton returns to coaching next season, the Los Angeles Chargers or Los Angeles Rams could be his preferred landing spot, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
The @NFLGameDay Notebook with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: The specter of Sean Payton hangs over every coaching situation; What to expect for Lamar Jackson & Kenny Pickett; Tom Brady has plenty of options for 2023; The Odell Beckham Jr sweepstakes led to… a holding pattern. pic.twitter.com/wgCUYuMZ05
"He is a TV analyst living in Los Angeles and based on his conversations I've had, if he had his druthers, that is where he would remain in the city of Los Angeles," Rapoport said of Payton. "Potentially if somehow, some way the Rams job or the Chargers job came open, that is certainly be something Sean Payton would take a look at."
In addition to the Los Angeles teams, there is also a chance Payton could return to the New Orleans Saints after stepping away from the team last season, according to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.
"One person close to Payton and familiar with his thinking believes a return to the Saints is possible 'if things go sideways' in New Orleans," Duncan reported.
The Saints have struggled to a 4-9 record this year in the first season under Dennis Allen, clinching the team's first losing record since 2016. Duncan clarified that the organization does not want to move on from Allen, with general manager Mickey Loomis and owner Gayle Benson considered "loyal supporters."
There could still be a push to bring back Payton, who had a 152-89 record across 15 years with New Orleans, winning a Super Bowl after the 2009 season.
Payton's familiarity with the Saints, along with the fact they already control his rights, could make this a quality landing spot for the 58-year-old.
It's unknown if there will be an opening in Los Angeles, although there have been rumors of Rams coach Sean McVay retiring throughout the past year. With the team struggling to a 4-9 record this year, he could decide to step away from the team.
The Chargers are currently 6-6, but they have had higher expectations the past two years under Brandon Staley. If the team misses the playoffs again, Staley could be on the hot seat.
Payton will likely be in high demand throughout the offseason, especially after saying that he plans to return to the sidelines this week on Tom Brady's Let's Go! podcast.
"I think sooner than later," Payton told Brady (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk). "I really enjoy the current job I have. ...But I think relative to coaching, though, I know that I want to coach again and it's not really been a secret. But I wanna find the right spot."
The Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers already have openings after firing coaches during the season.
Chargers RB Isaiah Spiller Fantasy Trade Advice for Dynasty Leagues Before Deadline
Nov 16, 2022
Los Angeles Chargers running back Isaiah Spiller (28) carries the ball up field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
If you're looking for a buy-low candidate to help your backfield in dynasty fantasy football leagues, then Los Angeles Chargers running back Isaiah Spiller could be your man.
Los Angeles selected Spiller in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. In three years at Texas A&M, he ran for 2,993 yards and 25 touchdowns and caught 74 passes for 585 yards and one score.
Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski gave the Chargers a "B" grade for taking Spiller and called him "a bigger (217 lbs) and more physical back to play alongside Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley."
Whereas it looked like Spiller could at least spell Ekeler enough to be a fantasy sleeper or flash big long-term potential, the 21-year-old has been a peripheral figure. He has made just three appearances so far, running for 27 yards on 12 carries.
His highest usage came in a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, when he logged 13 offensive snaps.
"I thought that he looked calm," head coach Brandon Staley told reporters after the game. "I thought he had a lot of productive runs. He was getting positive yards. I thought he hit of a couple creases."
Staley added Spiller "was seeing the game" and that the Chargers "have to continue to get him more experience and more opportunities."
There are still good reasons to remain bullish on Spiller's upside.
As good as Ekeler is, he's 27 years old and due to be a free agent in 2024. The Chargers might decide at that time they're ready to move on to a younger, cheaper option at running back.
Were that to happen, Spiller is the most logical candidate currently on the roster. Sony Michel might be little more than a one-year stopgap, and Kelley isn't going to be the solution, either.
If you're willing to be patient, then banking on Spiller to deliver in 2023 might be a smart play for the right price.
Broncos' Aaron Patrick Suing NFL, Chargers, More Over ACL Injury at SoFi Stadium
Nov 15, 2022
INGLEWOOD , CA - OCTOBER 17: Aaron Patrick (94) of the Denver Broncos kneels on the ground after colliding with a middle aged sideline worker during overtime of the Los Angeles Chargers 19-16 win at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Monday, October 17, 2022. The worker was quick to return to his post as team medical personnel tended to Patrick. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Denver Broncos linebacker Aaron Patrick is suing a number of parties, including the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers, ESPN and a mat company, for a series of decisions that he believes led to the torn ACL he suffered during an Oct. 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
TMZ Sports obtained the lawsuit that is for unspecified damages that include lost bonuses and future earning potential for the 25-year-old.
Patrick's momentum carried him off the field and into the sideline area when he was attempting to make a tackle on a punt return during the Monday Night Football game. In an effort to avoid an NFL official who was monitoring television timeouts, Patrick said he stepped on mats that were covering up NFL instant replay monitor cords and cables.
According to the lawsuit, stepping on the mats caused his knee to bend and the ACL tear that will keep him sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
His attorney, William M. Berman from Berman & Riedel, released a statement:
"Player safety should be the foremost of importance to the NFL and its owners. The NFL is a multibillion-dollar sports enterprise and business, and it needs to do everything possible to protect its players from non-contact game injuries.
"As for Patrick's injuries, SoFi Stadium was built at a $5,000,000,000 expense; the stadium should have the state-of-the-art equipment to protect for player safety, and not use the type of $100 mats that you would expect to see in a restaurant kitchen."
Patrick finished that game, which was a 19-16 victory for the Chargers, with one tackle.
The Eastern Kentucky product appeared in 12 games for the Broncos last season as well as five games this season before suffering the injury.
Player safety at SoFi Stadium has been a concern at times this season with Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp among those who have raised issues about the artificial turf playing surface.
Their comments came after Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf and Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson each suffered patellar injuries on non-contact plays during a game at the stadium.
Mike Williams, Josh Palmer's Fantasy Outlook in Dynasty Leagues Before Trade Deadline
Nov 14, 2022
INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 20: Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) runs during the NFL preseason game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Chargers on August 20, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
With the fantasy trade deadline coming up this week in many leagues, it's time to take a closer look at the Los Angeles Chargers' receiving pair of Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer, both in the short- and long-term.
It's hard to justify trading for Williams right now, given the ankle injury that has kept him out of action the past two games. It is possible he might return to practice this upcoming week, which would be an indication that his stint on the sidelines is drawing to a close:
Brandon Staley says there’s a “good chance” WR Mike Williams will be back in practice in some capacity next week.
A healthy Williams is a WR2, albeit one who will often vary between huge games and more modest showings. In dynasty leagues, he should be viewed as such, but in redraft leagues, try to get him for cheaper given the uncertainty surrounding his injury status.
Palmer is an even bigger question mark, given that a lot of his value this year has been off the back of injuries to Williams and Keenan Allen.
With Allen only playing twice this year, Palmer has often been the second option, turning his promotion into 37 receptions for 390 yards and a score. Nothing to write home about, in other words.
But he has shown flashes. With Williams out in Week 9, Palmer led the passing attack, catching eight passes for 106 yards. He seemed poised for another strong showing in Week 10, only to play second fiddle (three catches for 44 yards) to DeAndre Palmer (four catches for 64 yards and a score).
If you are looking for help for the stretch run this season, look elsewhere. But Palmer is a very intriguing option in dynasty leagues, given that Allen is 30 and has struggled to stay healthy this season. A more regular role as the team's No. 2 wideout behind Williams could be in his future.
Don't pay premium prices for him, but if you can get a good deal to stash him, you might have secured yourself a nice flex option for the future.
