Chargers' Derwin James still looking to lower his targeting zone after returning from suspension

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Derwin James came away with a couple important takeaways after serving a one-game suspension for repeated hits to defenseless receivers.

The Los Angeles Chargers' safety isn't going to change his physical playing style, but he does have to consistently go lower when making a tackle.

“It’s definitely not going to change nothing. Like I said, I’m just going to go lower. I’m not going to change," James said on Wednesday after the Chargers held a two-hour practice before going on their bye week. "“I’m not going to keep paying 700, 800,000 (dollars).”

James said his hearing with appeals officer Derrick Brooks didn't shed any light on additional steps he could do to get off the league's radar when it comes to getting called for unnecessary roughness.

The seventh-year safety has received plenty of attention since a Week 16 Monday night game at Indianapolis in 2022 when he drew two personal fouls in three plays in the first half. The latter was hitting Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin with the crown of his helmet.

Since then, James has amassed nearly $800,000 in fines, including $708,333 in base salary for last week's suspension.

James was suspended for his hit on Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth during the third quarter of a 20-10 loss at Pittsburgh on Sept. 22 as the last straw.

Jon Runyan, the league’s vice president of football operations, said in his suspension letter that James could have avoided lowering his head and making contact with his helmet to Freiermuth after having an unobstructed path.

James has reached out to officials and the league office during the offseason and training camp for guidance on how to maintain his physical playing style within the NFL’s rules.

At 6-foot-2, James also knows he is at a slight disadvantage because he is tackling players most of the time that are shorter.

“They’re calling it. I just have to adjust. I don’t want to hurt my team, (but) play clean football and make plays,” James said. “I have to continue to play fast. I'm a taller dude. They're ducking. I have to get lower, tackle under the ball and see where it goes.”

The one thing that is giving James confidence is seeing how the rest of the defense is performing. The unit is allowing a league-low 12.5 points per game while being ranked seventh overall and 12th against the pass.

That's a marked change from one year ago when the defense was allowing 26 points per game (sixth-highest), was ranked 31st overall and last against the pass through four games.

Despite missing James and Joey Bosa (hip injury), the Chargers did force a pair of turnovers in last Sunday's 17-10 loss to Kansas City.

“To know I’m a part of that, what a special defense we have, it’s just amazing. I couldn’t wait to get back out here to work with these guys,” he said.

Following their bye, the 2-2 Chargers are at Denver, where they haven't won since the final regular season game in 2018.