FOXBORO — The Patriots face a critical problem Saturday at 1 p.m. when the Chargers come to Gillette Stadium, however head coach Jerod Mayo is narrowing his concentrate on one participant specifically.
That’s Chargers security Derwin James, a two-time first-team All-Professional and three-time Professional Bowl choice since being chosen within the first spherical of the 2018 NFL Draft.
“Defensively, I’ve been a fan of this participant for some time. He at all times pops off the movie, is Derwin James. I believe he’s simply a kind of guys that, he’s a soccer participant, and you’ll inform by the best way that he goes on the market and performs,” Mayo stated. “Simply his vitality, enthusiasm, and the remainder of the crew form of follows his lead, in my view.
“To not take something away from the entrance guys; they’ve two excellent defensive ends (Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa), they usually have some large guys up entrance that do a very good job two-gapping. However I believe all of it begins with Derwin. I believe we have now to know the place this man is on each single play. If he’s down close to the road of scrimmage, he can completely rush and drop from there. If he’s within the again half, he can play a deep a part of the sphere as properly. So, positively an excellent participant.”
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye stated that James, who has 88 tackles, one interception, 3.5 sacks, six go breakups and 7 tackles for loss this season, “pops off the movie.”
“He’s quick. He’s explosive within the run recreation. He makes TFLs. He makes performs on the soccer within the air. He’s an issue,” Maye stated. “We’ve acquired to know the place he’s always. They do a very good job shifting round, enjoying in several spots. Now we have a tricky problem with Derwin, and I’m wanting ahead to enjoying a participant like that, that I used to develop up enjoying Madden with.”
Maye was joined by tight finish Hunter Henry on the podium Tuesday. Henry, who was teammates with James on the Chargers from 2018 to 2020, laughed when Maye stated he used to play as James in Madden.
Henry stated he believes James is the very best security within the league.
“He’s simply acquired all of the instruments you need for security. He can play within the field. He can play the run, play the go. He’s large. He’s sturdy. He’s lengthy. … To pair that with simply what he brings to a locker room is simply the right mould.”
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