Chargers coach blames Colts for Derwin James’ vicious hit on WR Ashton Dulin

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The Chargers’ 20-3 victory over the Colts on Monday night was marred slightly by the ejection of star safety Derwin James, who was disqualified following a helmet-to-helmet hit on wide receiver Ashton Dulin at the second quarter. In the aftermath, Los Angeles head coach Brandon Staley defended his star player and blamed Indianapolis for putting Dulin in a precarious position.

“It’s a game where they obviously put the guy in a tough position, which is their fault, not ours, and Derwin made an aggressive play,” Staley said, according to Joel A. Erickson of the ‘Indianapolis Star. “I’ve seen him do a lot of tackles on plays like that, and I know his target wasn’t above the neck. I know that.”

Staley said he believed James “tried to lead with the shoulder” on the play, which rattled both players.

The game came second and second with 5:23 left in the second quarter. Colts quarterback Nick Foles delivered a quick strike to Dulin, who immediately received a hard blow to the head and neck from James’ helmet as he attempted to make the tackle.

James was penalized for unnecessary roughness and disqualified from the contest. Dulin was ruled out with a concussion at halftime.

Colts coach Jeff Saturday said he was fine with the field call and that James deserved to be sent off.

“It was right in front of me, and it definitely deserved an ejection,” said Saturday, according to the Indianapolis Star. “You can’t get into a guy’s head, especially a guy who’s rolled over and is unprotected.”

The win secured a playoff berth for the Chargers, who are now 9-6 this season. The Colts fell to 4-10-1 with the loss.

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