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The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after his catch for a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at StubHub Center on September 9, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 09: Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after his catch for a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at StubHub Center on September 9, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers: Drafting Derwin James

It looks like the Chargers are a different team in 2018. They’re beating teams they normally haven’t beaten in the past and doing it convincingly. Philip Rivers remains a stud for them at age 37, but the bigger surprise is how improved their defense has been. It went from okay unit with a great pass rush to a top 10 group in the space of a year. This despite star Joey Bosa missing a lengthy period of time with injury. So how does that happen?

Look no further than the arrival of Derwin James to their secondary. The rookie 1st round pick has been a revelation at safety this year with three interceptions and 3.5 sacks. He has made the back end of that defense far more treacherous to attack for quarterbacks and his ability to blitz has made it almost impossible to avoid him. That stability and playmaking skill he brings has helped to win a number of close games this year, something they couldn’t do in the past.

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