Chargers Face Major Challenge After Injury To Superstar

Before exiting this match early, James had played every single defensive snap for the Chargers (443). His versatility as a player to this Jessie Minter-led defense will be what hurts this defense the most should he miss time.

The disruption he causes on the line of scrimmage as a blitzer, his ability to cover as a nickel cornerback, and the instincts and range as a safety are aspects of his game that make him so unique and one of the best safeties in the league.

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Chargers Next Man Up Mentality

As the Chargers’ defense is predicated on their three safety sets, the loss of both veteran starters was huge. It forced the sixth-round (214th overall) rookie out of Clemson, R.J. Mickens, to step up and fill the void.

Playing on 73.5% of the defensive snaps (36), Mickens made his presence known by grabbing his first career interception off of Vikings QB Carson Wentz, returning it 15 yards to set up a 34-yard Cameron Dicker field goal.

Through five games so far, Mickens has tallied 11 tackles, 1 INT, and 1 PD.

GM Joe Hortiz Scouring Free Agency

With the number of injuries piled up on defense, the Chargers brought in a number of players to try out for the team. Here’s a list of those players.

NT | Raekwon Davis

DT | Christopher Hinton

DT | Kyle Peko

S | Lewis Cine

S | Marcus Maye

S | Marcus Williams

DB | Daryl Worley

Several of these free agents have ties to the Baltimore Ravens and Michigan Wolverines, including veteran Marcus Williams and Daryl Worley.

The most likely of the bunch to be signed is Marcus Maye. He played for the Chargers just last year and provided instant impact, notching a pick in his very first game.

His familiarity with the defensive system should be a great fit for a Chargers team needing starting-caliber players now, giving him an advantage over the other free agents.