EL SEGUNDO — Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said this week he would like to correct the record.
It’s his record, so who are we to stop him?
Last week, Harbaugh called Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. the best safety he’s ever seen “in the history of the National Football League.” James had been a dominant presence during the Chargers’ 20-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2, recording seven tackles.
This week, Harbaugh said he believed he slighted James, especially in the wake of James’ monster game in the Chargers’ 23-20 victory over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. James had a team-leading 12 tackles, including 10 solo. James had one sack among his four tackles for losses.
Not surprisingly, James was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week.
Surprisingly, it was the first time he was so honored in his seven NFL seasons.
“I know I said he’s the best safety I’ve ever seen, (but) I did him a disservice,” Harbaugh said of James, a four-time Pro Bowl pick. “He’s the best football player I’ve been around. When it comes to that stat line that you can’t see, there’s only one player I can compare it to and that’s Junior Seau.”
Harbaugh referred to the late, great San Diego Chargers linebacker.
“That positivity, that iron wall that negativity bashes against Derwin James, same with Junior Seau,” Harbaugh continued. “Same energy. Same love of the game and all-out effort. It’s not 70 good plays. It’s 70 great plays, one play at a time from those types of players, who are just different from anybody else. I think I stand corrected when I called him the best defensive back, safety. It does him an injustice. He’s just the best football player I’ve ever been associated with.”
Of his standout play against the Broncos, specifically, Harbaugh said of James:
“I’ve never really seen a stat line like that from a defensive back. And then what he contributes to the team you can’t see in the stat line in terms of the energy he brings, the communication, the bringing everybody along, making the play when the play has to be made, practically all the tackles.”
Naturally, James said he was flattered by the praise, but stressed the notion that he has his own high standards to meet day after day in practice, in the weight room and in team meetings – all before he takes the field with his Chargers teammates on Sundays. At this point, it’s a pride thing.
“I love Coach, man,” James said. “I’m working my butt off every day to uphold what he’s saying. I’m humbled. Just to have my players and my coaches respect me, that’s why I come to do it. I always look in the mirror and tell myself that every time I take the field I feel like I’m one of the best players.
“I always believe in myself.”
Asked about his ultimate goals, James said, “I want to win. I haven’t won yet.”
INJURY UPDATES
Right tackle Mekhi Becton continued to be sidelined by a concussion after he was injured in the first half against the Broncos on Sunday. He has not practiced this week and his availability for Sunday’s game against the New York Giants was unlikely. … Derius Davis, a wide receiver and return specialist, was sidelined for a second consecutive day because of a knee injury that forced him from the game Sunday. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey filled in for him in the fourth quarter. … Tight end Will Dissly also sat out his second straight practice because of a knee injury. It’s unlikely either will be available to play Sunday. Oronde Gadsden, a rookie, replaced Dissly and made his NFL debut Sunday.