Chargers' Derwin James slams defense: 'We looked like trash today' in loss to Colts

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers were handed a crushing 38-24 defeat at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. This loss laid bare some glaring issues on both sides of the ball but ultimately hinged on a defense that couldn't contain the Colts' offense.

In a game where offensive fireworks were expected, it was the Chargers' defense that dampened the mood, allowing 38 points on home turf. After the game, star safety Derwin James didn’t mince words when reflecting on the team's performance.

“We looked like shit today,” James said bluntly. “We looked like trash today. We gave up 40 points in our own stadium.” 

A harsh assessment, but one that rang true after a disastrous first half.

The Chargers’ defense looked overwhelmed, especially in the opening two quarters. They gave up 23 points in the first half, with the Colts moving the ball at will. The Chargers' offense wasn’t any better. Justin Herbert and his squad mustered just a single field goal — a 43-yarder from kicker Cameron Dicker — in the first half, leaving the team with a significant deficit going into the locker room.

Herbert, who finished with a career-high 421 passing yards, owned up to the team’s struggles in the postgame press conference. “I just can’t turn the ball over like that. We can’t expect to win games when I turn the ball over in the red zone like that,” Herbert said. His honesty and accountability reflected his leadership, but it wasn’t enough to shift the momentum. Despite his impressive individual performance, the mistakes on both sides of the ball were too much to overcome.

The Colts had no such issues moving the ball, with running back Jonathan Taylor carving up the Chargers’ defense for 94 yards and three touchdowns. Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley spoke to the frustration of the defense, acknowledging their failure to execute. “It just wasn’t good enough,” Henley said. “Details, obviously. Little things turn to big things.” It was an understatement. Missed tackles, blown assignments, and poor coverage were on full display, and the Colts exploited every mistake.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, speaking after the game, kept his tone measured, but there was no denying the disappointment. “Just everything that we’re doing in all three phases could just be a little bit better,” Harbaugh said when asked about the overall performance. His comments were pointed, as if acknowledging the need for a collective reset. When pressed about whether the team had enough talent to compete, Harbaugh didn’t hesitate: “I believe we do.” But belief only gets you so far; execution is what wins games.

One area that stood out was the run defense, which struggled to contain Taylor. Harbaugh, ever the coach, reiterated, “Continue to work. There’s been a few fits that have been off,” a subtle acknowledgment that the defensive game plan was simply not clicking. The Chargers’ defense has been inconsistent all season, but Sunday’s performance was a particularly low point in what has already been a rollercoaster year.

The Chargers, who started the season 3-0, now find themselves at 4-3, with their hopes to win the division hanging in the balance. The loss to the Colts was a painful reminder that football is a team game, and one weak link — whether it's a turnover or a missed tackle — can derail an entire effort. If the Chargers want to make noise this season, they’ll need to turn things around quickly.

The team’s next opportunity comes Thursday night, when they host the Minnesota Vikings for a critical primetime matchup. It will be a short turnaround, but if the Chargers hope to bounce back, they’ll need a much more complete performance, starting with the defense.

For a team with talent across the roster, the time for talk is over. It’s time for action.