Derwin James gives blunt assessment after Chargers' 0-2 start: 'That s*** just looks trash'

Posted by Admin September 21, 2026 NFL

It’s only Week 2, but the Los Angeles Chargers are already in the running for most disappointing team of the season. After dropping another game to what many expected to be an inferior opponent, the Chargers are one of eight teams to start the season 0-2.

While some players and coaches like to preach patience after a slow start, Chargers safety Derwin James took a difference approach after Sunday’s 24-16 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.

After the contest, James said the team needed to take a hard look at itself, because the on-field product hasn’t been good so far. James, however, used a far more damning statement to sum up the team’s play so far, saying, “That s*** just looks trash.”

His full quote read:

“We got to look each other in the eye, man, and just tell the truth and just get better. Because right now, that s*** just looks trash.

“I’m angry, but being angry don’t fix anything.”

This wasn’t the start the Chargers expected after the team opened the season against the Arizona Cardinals and Raiders. Those two teams combined to win six games last season. The Chargers won 11. Because of that, the Chargers were considered fairly strong betting favorites in both contests.

Instead, Los Angeles lost both contests, and there’s no one reason for the team’s struggles so far. The offense, which was supposed to take a step forward under new coordinator Mike McDaniel, ranks just 28th in the NFL in points per game thus far. Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns so far, Omarion Hampton hasn’t taken that next step yet and Ladd McConkey‘s injury has prevented him from returning to form.

The defense hasn’t been much better, ranking 20th in points allowed and notching just three sacks in two games.

In the Chargers’ defense, both the Cardinals and Raiders look improved after overhauling their coaching staffs in the offseason. It’s possible both losses won’t look as bad if the Cardinals and Raiders continue to perform well the rest of the way. But that’s hardly a consolation to the Chargers.

The Chargers have their work cut out for them if they are going to rebound and claim a playoff spot. The AFC West already appears far more formidable than many expected. The Kansas City Chiefs have turned back the clock, the Raiders are 2-0 and the Denver Broncos bounced back to take down a tough Jacksonville Jaguars team in Week 2.

While it’s still early, an 0-2 start is a major reason for concern. The Chargers need to show something as early as Week 3 to convince fans they are capable to bouncing back.

It won’t be easy. The team will take on the Buffalo Bills in its next game. Through two games, the Bills have developed a reputation for making their opponents look like garbage, a concerning trend for James and the Chargers.