-
Click here to listen to this article - Share via
- Rookie safety RJ Mickens and undrafted cornerback Nikko Reed are emerging as defensive standouts for the Chargers.
- Mickens had interceptions in recent games against Minnesota and Pittsburgh.
- Practice against elite receivers and guidance from veteran Derwin James Jr. has helped with their development.
RJ Mickens feels as if the blueprint is right in front of him. Across the Chargers locker room, he sees No. 3 and immediately knows of the possibilities.
The rookie safety has played a leading role in sparking a Chargers defense that has helped lift the team to a three-game winning streak heading into Sunday’s game against Jacksonville. Before getting the chance to prove himself, Mickens learned from the secondary corps around him: Tony Jefferson, Elijah Molden, Donte Jackson — and No. 3, Derwin James Jr., the defense’s leader.
“He’s willing to pour into me and help me get to where he’s at and surpass him,” said Mickens, who secured his second career interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. “And he’s willing to help me. I’m really willing to go to him.”
Mickens isn’t the only rookie who has made a name for himself within the secondary, as injuries have led to opportunities for players lower on the depth chart. Nikko Reed, whom the Chargers signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon, got his “feet wet” two weeks ago against the Tennessee Titans before being thrust into action against Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers.
During that game, Rodgers threw a pass that seemed destined to drop into the hands of wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Flying through the air, Reed stretched his left arm toward Austin and recorded his first pass breakup, helping the Chargers hold a nine-point halftime lead en route to a 25-10 victory.
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who has helped the Chargers hold teams to an NFL-best 64.5 passer rating and 396 passing yards across the last three games, credits Reed’s development, in part, to defending against Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston in practice.
“When you get out there, and it’s DK Metcalf or Roman Wilson ... and it’s Aaron Rodgers, you’re ready for that because you’ve taken advantage of the opportunity and practice with the guys that we have,” Minter said of Reed, who played a career-high 40% of snaps against the Steelers.
Said Reed: “Knowing that you’re going against the best players every day at practice and once you get into the game, it’s easy — it’s way easier than practice. I feel like that’s the mentality.”
It’s a similar mindset that has helped Mickens hold opposing quarterbacks to an 8.3 passer rating on targeted receivers, the best mark in the NFL since Week 6, according to Pro Football Focus.
Mickens tries to keep things in perspective. The sixth-round pick out of Clemson recalled how he made a mistake on his first defensive snap, taking a bad angle on a tackle attempt against the Miami Dolphins last month, resulting in a big gain. Still, he felt his interceptions against the Minnesota Vikings and Steelers also provided a learning experience.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is hoping to find more success against the Rams on Sunday after the former USC signal-caller struggled against them in the playoffs.
His takeaway? Any NFL player can make a game-changing play, Mickens said.
James likes what he sees from his younger counterparts. Although Mickens and Reed are learning from watching James every day, the four-time Pro Bowler also is keeping a close eye on the rookies as the Chargers (7-3) prepare for their playoff push.
“It’s being a sponge,” James said. “They ask questions all day, every day. Man, they work. They work like they ain’t got nothing. Every day. And it’s showing.”
