Confidence is key for defenders in the NFL, especially those on teams like the Chargers who have to play the likes of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs twice a year.
Nobody knows this better than the All-Pro safety Derwin James, who has made a name for himself with bold and selfless play since entering the league as a first-round pick in 2018.
James spoke to reporters about a variety of topics. When questioned about the development of cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., he pointed to his teammate’s confidence as an area of potential growth.
“To me, football is just confidence and knowing your job,” James explained to the media. “I feel like if you know your job and you know it well enough, and you’re confident to go do it, you can do it. Year three with Asante, I feel like he is going to have a lot more confidence, for sure.”
Samuel served as the outside corner opposite Michael Davis after J.C. Jackson went down with his season-ending knee injury. It was an up-and-down campaign for Samuel, as he allowed six touchdowns and struggled as a run defender.
Samuel finished the 2022 season with 57 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, including three in the playoff game against the Jaguars, a fumble recovery and 11 passes defended.
Whether this newfound confidence will come to pass for Samuel will have to wait to be seen until the regular season, but an endorsement from James is sure to play into the young cornerback’s self-esteem, at a bare minimum.
With so much on the line and expectations for the Chargers at an all-time high, James and Samuel will have to work together to bring Los Angeles its first playoff win since 2018.
But, with the collective talent they possess and a coaching staff determined to bring the team success next season, perhaps confidence in their game is all the members of the secondary need.
