This year’s Chargers are reaping the rewards of what has been a bounce-back season for the veteran who is now in his seventh season.

James is in the midst of one of his best seasons in recent years and is the leader of what has been one of the best defenses in the NFL.

He ranks second on the team in snaps (842), tackles (83) and tackles for loss (seven) despite missing a game earlier in the season. James was also disruptive with 3.5 sacks, six passes defended and an interception.

James also ranks in Pro Football Focus’ Top 10 in defense (79.1), run defense (84.7), tackling (85.9) and passing grade (73.7). ) among safeties with at least 500 snaps this year. His run defense and tackling grade would be the highest of his career, while his defense grade would be the highest since 2019.

He is everything and more for the Chargers defense in 2024.

‘He’s like the head of the snake to me,’ Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “He runs everything with his mindset, his approach.

“He’s willing to line up wherever we ask and attack it with an insane amount of focus, detail, competitiveness and spirit,” Minter added.

Loader safety coach Chris O’Leary added: “Elite. That’s just the word that comes to mind. Elite person, elite competitor, elite football player…He’s the best I’ve ever been around.”

Those who have watched James over the years know that he can do a little bit of everything on the field.

James has spent most of his time at the slot corner this season, recording 326 snaps there.

But he also had 242 snaps inside the box and 190 at free safety as well.

He thrives in his role, which changes depending on the opponent, and praised Minter and his defense for allowing him to impact games like he has this season.

“He lets everyone see that I could be explosive,” James said. “Let everyone see that I’m still the same player and I feel like he’s doing a great job with that. I play fast, we have one of the best defenses. I just want to keep going.”

James later added: “It allows me to play freely, not to think, not to think too much, not to try to solve every problem, to play fast.”

Harbaugh gave his own analogy for what James is capable of doing on the field.

“He’s always a great player no matter what situation you put him in, no matter what position you put him in,” Harbaugh said. “His flexibility is extraordinary. And then he ranks in this A, A+ category in every match.

“Also, what he brings in terms of leadership to the team. It’s at an elite level,” continued.

Harbaugh later added in early December: “He’s like Willie Mays. A five-plus tool player who can do it all.”