The Los Angeles Chargers are undoubtedly one of the most interesting NFL teams in 2024. They are beginning a new era in more ways than one — a new general manager, a new head coach and new coordinators who will bring a change in philosophy. The Chargers have talented pieces on both sides of the ball, so what is their ceiling in Year 1 of the Jim Harbaugh era?
One of those talented pieces is safety Derwin James, the former No. 17 overall pick who is a three-time All-Pro defensive back that has also made three Pro Bowls. CBS Sports spoke with James this week, and it’s safe to say he’s excited about the changes his franchise has undergone this offseason.
Harbaugh, who is coming off an undefeated season at Michigan which culminated in a College Football Playoff National Title, is in the process of making the Chargers organization his own. And James likes what he sees.
“Just his alpha presence, the leader he is, he’s confident. And I just love it man,” James said when asked about his new head coach. “Being able to show up to work with him every day is amazing.
“That grit, that toughness, you know what I mean? That old school mentality and I just feel like the sky is the limit with him.”
James’ new defensive coordinator is Jesse Minter, who Harbaugh brought with him from Michigan. While just 41 years old, Minter led the No. 1 scoring defense in college football last year, which surrendered 10.4 points per game in 15 contests played. He’s charged with turning around a defense that ranked in the bottom five in 2023.
“Coach Minter, he’s a smart young coach — very smart coach,” said James. “He allows you to play fast and free. Just allows you to be you. He loves personality and his favorite thing to say is, ‘Playmakers are welcome.'”
James captains the defense, but we all know the NFL is a quarterback’s league. Fortunately, the Chargers have a great one in Justin Herbert. The…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chargers-derwin-james-on-head-coach-jim-harbaugh-i-just-feel-like-the-sky-is-the-limit-with-him/
Author : Jordan Dajani
Publish date : 2024-08-22 16:50:48
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