Derwin James Jr. Calls Chargers' Start 'Trash' After 0-2 Opening
Veteran safety expresses frustration with the team's performance following consecutive double-digit home losses.
The Los Angeles Chargers have begun the 2026 season with an uncharacteristic 0-2 record, marked by two consecutive double-digit home losses to the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders. Veteran safety Derwin James Jr. did not hold back in his assessment of the team's current state, describing their performance as "trash."
"We got to look each other in the eye, man, and just tell the truth and just get better. Because right now that shit just looks trash," James said following the latest defeat. "I’m angry, but being angry don’t fix anything."
James, who sustained a fractured pinky during the game against the Raiders and will play the remainder of the season with a cast, has voiced frustration shared by the team's fanbase. The offense, in particular, has struggled, committing six fumbles in the loss to Las Vegas.
Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns this season, and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme has yet to yield the expected offensive explosion. The Chargers' performance places them in rare, undesirable company: they are the second team in NFL history to lose back-to-back home games by double digits against teams with a sub-200 winning percentage from the previous season. The only other team to achieve this was the Racine Tornadoes in 1926, according to Opta Stats.
The team faces a challenging upcoming schedule, with their next five opponents being significantly stronger than their opening two matchups. Their Week 3 game will be on the road against the Buffalo Bills, who have scored 77 points in their first two games.