Chargers safety Derwin James looking to eliminate penalties while preparing to face Chiefs, Kelce

COSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Derwin James has more to worry about this week than preparing to face Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Los Angeles Chargers safety is leading in the league in a category few players want to top.

James has been called for three unnecessary roughness penalties in the four games he has played. Before this year, he had been flagged for unnecessary roughness three times in five seasons.

James acknowledged Wednesday that his hit on Indianapolis’ Ashton Dulin late last season during a Monday night game is one reason he’s drawn more attention from officials. He was ejected from that game after hitting a defenseless receiver with the crown of his helmet.

“I think I am a little bit,” James about receiving increased scrutiny. “I’m not here to referee what they need to call. I’m here to play football and help my team win games.”

James received two 15-yard penalties during the second quarter of Monday night’s 20-17 loss to Dallas. He was flagged for roughing the passer and then unnecessary roughness when he hit Jake Ferguson in the head and neck area as Ferguson was being tackled. The latter penalty put the Cowboys in field goal range, and Brandon Aubrey connected from 32 yards on the last play of the first half to put Dallas up 10-7.

In Week 2 at Tennessee, James’ unnecessary roughness penalty came on a third- down incompletion, extending a drive that resulted in a touchdown for the Titans. The following week at Minnesota, the foul occurred near the end of the first half and eventually led to a Vikings field goal.

“He needs to change his approach because he needs to stop being penalized,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said. “He needs to lower his target and play the aggressive game that he plays, but he has to lower his strike zone and make sure that he’s making good decisions.”