Omar Navarro
Add another accolade toDerwin James, Jr.slong rsum.
The Chargers All-Pro safety was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, marking the first time James has earned the award.
James previously won a pair ofDefensive Player of the Monthhonors.
James' award comes after a stat-stuffing performance in Week 3, as he put forth a dominant performance in theBolts' 23-20 victoryover Denver to help the Chargers get to 3-0 on the season.
James totaled a team-leading 12 tackles (10 solo), a sack and a career-high four tackles for loss.
This made him just the sixth NFL player and first defensive back to have 10 solo tackles, a sack and four tackles for loss in a single game since tackles for loss began being tracked in 2008.
It was the first such performance by any NFL player in eight seasons.
And coming off James' performance, Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was clear about just how high of a level he's been playing.
"If they're talking about Defensive Player of the Year, Derwin James," Harbaugh said Monday after Week 3.
As usual, James has been all over the field with 26 tackles (18 solo), a sack, five tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and two passes defensed through three games.
His tackle for loss total is currently tied for third in the NFL, but of the 19 defensive players who have at least four, James is theonly defensive backamong the group.
James has also allowed just 51 receiving yards in coverage on 16 targets, the 2nd-fewest yards per target (3.2) among 40 defensive backs with at least 15 targets this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
After having one of the best seasons in his career last year, James has taken things up another level so far in 2025.
"I've called him the best safety I've ever seen in the history of the National Football League," Harbaugh said after Week 2. "I don't think I'm going out on a limb there. He is one of the most incredible players I've ever watched."
