5 takeaways from a good, sometimes ugly, win over San Francisco

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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: The Los Angeles Rams recover a fumble forced by defensive back Derwin James #33 of the Los Angeles Chargers as he sacks quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

3. Derwin James is unfair

Man, how did he slide in the draft? That question has to haunt general managers and coaches across the league.

They’ve given the Chargers a massive weapon who simply doesn’t play like a rookie. He puts pressure on the quarterback, he’s great in coverage and he makes big plays, like the huge deflection on the C.J. Beathard pass and forcing the Beathard interception to Isaac Rochell (who’s another mini takeaway, played much better than he has so far this year).

He’s the key to the defense. It’s scary to think he’s only a rookie and is only going to get better. But that’s the reality. Imagine him, Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa pressuring when Bosa gets back. He’s been a huge play maker, and he’s the main reason the Chargers’ defense can be dynamic at times.

4. Antonio Gates, ‘Ol Reliable

Antonio Gates only caught two balls Sunday, but I feel like he was certainly on the field more often playing more snaps. He caught a touchdown from Rivers for his 115th all time and another dart for 22 yards.

I wrote last week in my article following the Rams game that he needs to have more of an impact on the field with more snaps, and it seems that that’s happening. The veteran’s still got it, and I like the sneaky good combination Virgil Green and him have been.

They’ve given Rivers more options.

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