Chargers’ Derwin James Jr. ejected after dangerous hit vs. Colts

Los Angeles Chargers star safety and defensive captain Derwin James Jr. was ejected after throwing a dangerous hit on Indianapolis Colts defenseless receiver Ashton Dulin.

As Dulin caught a pass from Colts quarterback Nick Foles, James was right there to meet him before the first-down marker. However, he led with the crown of his helmet and blasted Dulin in the head/neck area. 

If there was an example of a hit the NFL is trying to get out of its league, it was that one. 

James was flagged for unnecessary roughness, a 15-yard penalty, and it was determined that the hit was worthy of an ejection. 

While Dulin was sent into the Colts’ locker room to check for a head injury, James also seemed a bit woozy when he tried to get up after the hit. He was sent to the medical tent on the Chargers’ sideline as the ejection announcement was made. 

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Just two plays prior to the hit, James gave the Colts another 15 yards after ripping the facemask of receiver Michael Pittman Jr. off during a tackle. 

The NFL has been making it a priority in recent seasons to crack down on these hits to the head among other unnecessary tackles in their eyes, especially roughing the passer calls. 

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There have been some questionable calls this season, but this one was a consensus penalty. 

James is an important piece of the Chargers’ defensive unit, totaling 106 tackles, four sacks, four passes defended and two forced fumbles in 12 games this season.