Chargers Chatter Box
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS HEAD COACH JIM HARBAUGH
On the update with QB Justin Herbert’s hand injury:
“Yeah, he [QB Justin Herbert] had a break in the back of the hand and he’s going to have a procedure done tomorrow. That’s what I know. I know he’s as tough as they come and they taped it up, [gave him a] glove and he played a great game.”
On QB Justin Herbert missing any time:
“I don’t know about that. We’ll see where the week takes us.”
On if QB Justin Herbert’s injury limits the team strategy wise:
“I mean, it does. There are some things that are difficult. Getting under center, I thought that would be difficult, and so we were operating it exclusively out of the shotgun.”
On RB Kimani Vidal’s performance:
“It was a huge day for [RB] Kimani [Vidal]. Just so many guys stepped up, and we really wanted to win. The guys went out and played great. Kimani Vidal gave us a huge spark – one of the great runs and he did that all game. He was really good in protection as well and [RB] Jaret Patterson, super excited for him and he had a heck of a game as well. The offensive line, I thought they did an incredible job and the receivers, [WR] Ladd [McConkey and WR] Quentin Johnston. There was just toughness on display by the ball carriers, by the catchers. There were some tight, contested catches, hanging onto the ball, running with the ball after the catch, and just fighting for every yard. I just love the way the entire team responded in this game. It’s a tough, physical game against a division opponent, rivalry game, all those things. It was an NFL game, and I loved the way our guys responded.”
On how the bye week helped the team reset:
“Yeah, that was good. I mean, our guys got restoration. We’re together. This was a great team win and our fates our intertwined and we’re – the focus is there from our team. [We’re] going to have to do it again next week, and the week after that and the week after that, but I love the way our team responded. Defensively, [LB] Denzel Perryman, if you noticed – boy, was he bringing it. It was another great game by [S] Derwin James [Jr.], [S] Tony Jefferson, D-Jack [CB Donte Jackson] who makes that great PBU that leads to the interception. The front, I thought played extremely well. I noticed [DL] Justin Eboigbe on their line of scrimmage quite a bit, I thought he played a heck of a game, and our edge rushers. What can you say about them? In my opinion, it’s such a great group. [OLB] Khalil Mack, K-Mack, great game by him, [OLB] Tuli [Tuipulotu], just that relentless motor, [OLB] Bud Dupree, he brings a change-up, he brings a great, relentless style as well and so does [OLB] Odafe [Oweh]. I thought that group in particular played outstanding – got stops, got pressures and another fourth down stop. It was just really good. I thought our special teams – special mention [K] Cameron Dicker, that was a big kick, [LS] Josh Harris, JK Scott, another really strong, good game from the specialists. Great team win.”
On OL Jamaree Salyer’s performance at left tackle:
“The whole offensive line – I thought [OL] Jamaree [Salyer] had a great game – touchdown block. He was out there sprinting [for RB] Kimani Vidal, but his play in particular? Really good, really good. Same with [G] Mekhi Becton [Sr.], [G] Zion Johnson, [C] Bradley Bozeman, [G/T] Trey Pipkins [III], [there’s] going to be a game ball for all of them. That’s how good I thought they played.”
On the importance of settling in on a starting five for the offensive line:
“That was the hope coming into this game that we would do that, and step one is acquitting themselves great and get that thing solidified for this home stretch is huge.”
On the changes made to the run defense:
“Another really good game by [Defensive Coordinator] Jesse [Minter]. I mean, I thought those adjustments, those tighter coverages, we were really going for that. It just changes some of the looks and it was very beneficial today.”
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS QUARTERBACK JUSTIN HERBERT
On the hand injury sustained during the game:
“I think that [Head Coach Jim] Harbaugh came in here and informed everyone. I think whatever he said is probably true.”
On if any time will be missed with the injury:
“I think they’re pretty hopeful actually. I think it’s one of those things where you just stabilize it. I’m not the doctor unfortunately, but they were hopeful so I think that’s a good thing.”
On the pain tolerance during the game:
“It is what it is. I did my best to go out there and take care of business. I thought we ran the ball really well, so it was really cool to see.”
On how the injury happened:
“I’m not quite sure exactly. I think it was one of the plays where I tried to scramble but I’d have to take a look at it. I think it must’ve been either a helmet or something like that, but I’d have to look at it to be exact.”
On what was done to stabilize the hand in the game:
“They just put a hard cast on it, put a glove around it and I think that was basically it.”
On the hardest part of playing with a hand injury:
“Holding on to the ball. I think ball security is at a paramount. I think I did a good enough job of that today in the pocket. Just getting the ball to the running backs so it’s just stuff to work on.”
On the running back performance by RB Kimani Vidal and RB Jaret Patterson:
“They’re really fun to play with. Those two guys have done such a great job this year. To have J-Patt [RB Jaret Patterson] back out there, I’m really happy for both those guys because they work really hard week in, week out. To see them go have success like that today, it’s really well earned.”
On the decision to go into pistol and shotgun formation after returning post-hand injury:
“I think it was more so just ball security and understanding that if we don’t have to go under center, there was no need for it. We were ready in formation if we were going to go into a goal line or anything like that. [QB] Trey [Lance] was ready to go. I think it’s just something that we’ll monitor as the week goes on.”
On how often handing off with the left hand occurs in the offense:
“Whenever we’re running to the right. I don’t know exactly the numbers.”
On the benefit of not having to pat the ball before throwing:
“I don’t think it makes too much of a difference. I think it’s just important to be as quick as you can when you’re delivering the ball, and so I think trying to take out the pat is something that all quarterbacks try to do. But I think there’s enough stability in my hand that if I needed to, I would be able to”
On the experience of playing with broken finger in 2023:
“I think in terms of experience I’ve gone through similar things and so I think it will be helpful, but at the end of the day, you just got to go out there and make sure that everything is good, you’re comfortable. As long as the trainers and doctors are feeling that I’m safe to return to play, I trust those guys completely.”
On the personal foul by Raiders DE Maxx Crosby during the game:
“I think it was just an emotional game. I was excited for the third down and he’d [Raiders DE Maxx Crosby] been getting after us all day and so I think it’s just one of those plays where emotions got the best of us. I’ve got a ton of respect for him as a player.”
On shaking hands with DE Maxx Crosby post-game:
“Yeah, like I said it’s an emotional game and I’ve got nothing but respect for him [Raiders DE Maxx Crosby] as a player and as a teammate. But at the end of the day, I could have kept my cool a little bit better too.”
On being fueled by DE Maxx Crosby’s chirping during the game:
“Yeah, he’s [Raiders DE Maxx Crosby] a true competitor. We know how good he is and the plays that he’s been able to make over the past several years. We know they’re a good opponent. They’re much better than their record indicates and so for us to be able to come away with a win today, I thought that was big for us.”
On paying attention to where the team stands in the division:
“I think it’s just week-by-week. We have to do our job, especially when we play on Sunday’s or whether we’re playing on Monday, all we can control is our attitude, our effort and how we take care of business. Anything outside of that is out of our control and you can monitor it, but you can’t do too much to change it.”
On approaching the end of the season with the injury:
“I’m treating it as if I’m playing on Monday. I think they were very hopeful for that. I think that’s just something that we’ll see tomorrow and get a feel for, but I think they were really hopeful so that’s always a good thing.”
On what it would take not to play:
“If a doctor told me, ‘It is a very unwise decision for you to go play.’ I think that would be the only case.”
On how it felt to have OL Jamaree Salyer at left tackle:
“It’s huge to have those guys up there. I think [OL] Jamaree’s done such a great job, whether it’s at guard or whether it’s at tackle. To have a guy like that who has been around a few years and is a very veteran, smart player, I think it made a difference today. We ran the ball really well today, so it was really good to see. I can still get the ball out quicker and things like that but to have Jamaree out there was awesome.”
On if protecting the ball is the biggest issue going forward with the injury:
“I think it’s a part of it, for sure. Doing my job to be able to hand the ball off and distribute the ball in a way that protects our team and doesn’t put them in a position of danger. I think the running backs did a great job adjusting as well today where we had a lot of plays under center but we talked about going to the pistol and the gun, so being able to practice those all week and then take them into a game and a situation where we really haven’t practiced, I thought that was really good for them.”
On the confidence in RB Kimani Vidal:
“As soon as he [RB Kimani Vidal] came here last year we knew that he was going to make big plays for us and he stepped up big time last year with a bunch of big plays, and then this year, he’s really taking advantage of his opportunity. It’s been really good to see from him. A checkdown to him is still getting five, six [yards] and then maybe even more.”
On the running back depth throughout the season:
“It’s really good. I think every team is going to deal with their fair share of adversity and to have three, four guys that we trust back there, especially at a really tough position in the NFL, it’s always a good problem to have as many guys as you can.”
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS HEAD COACH PETE CARROLL
On the team not being able to sustain the momentum that was carried into halftime:
“We really, at halftime, we felt like this was a game we were going to go get after it and take it. Everybody felt really good about it. The things that we had done in the first half and all. We knew we were kicking the ball to them, they got it first, we got to get off the field and get going. The big toss play, we just screwed it up, I think we had three guys there that could make the play and it winds up being a 60-yard touchdown play. That was a backbreaking play in the game. Then, we needed to respond and we didn’t have it to respond and so they get out by a couple of scores and it falls into their hands. They know how to play with a lead like that, and they did a nice job. Third down was atrocious for us today on both sides of the football. We couldn’t convert and we couldn’t stop them to get out of there. Some of those third-and-shorts, that’s been a bit of a theme throughout the year – third-and-two’s-and-three’s right in there, one’s-and two’s-and three’s. So, third down was a big factor and they did a nice job of finishing the game, they took control of it.”
On allowing 192 rushing yards:
“At halftime, they were averaging two yards, two point something a carry, and so we did not think that was the issue. That’s what I’m saying. The toss breaks out from 59 or 60 or whatever and that changes the complexion of the stats if nothing else. Then, they are ahead so they get to run the ball to finish the game in the fourth quarter. That’s kind of how that happens. They did a nice job of doing that and we didn’t stop them enough.”
On alternating between G Caleb Rogers & G Atonio Mafi:
“That’s about where it came out competing-wise. In practice, they both deserved to have a shot, so we wanted to get them on film and see what we can find out. Really anxious to see what that looks like and we’ll get back to it.”
On the lopsided time of possession:
“You got to remember how the game went. We had two huge drives in the first half. One of them, we didn’t stop them, and one of them we get the big turn over, so a great job by our guys hanging on defense. We had a nice, sudden change. We go out on defense and we stop them on 4th down, those are big stops, but they have a lot of plays on us. They were able to drive the ball, and that goes all the way back to where we started, goes back to third down, you can’t just go sit down and we didn’t get off the field long enough. I’m not sure if you mentioned this, but you know offensively, to have the expectation that we are going to flip-flop and all of a sudden be ripping – we would have liked to have seen that, but that didn’t happen and we’re a ways away. Everybody communicated really well, we had no problem functioning and all that, and in a couple of days’ time, that’s a nice accomplishment by those guys and we’ll get a lot better.”
On being able to see the seeds of future success in the current state of the team:
“Absolutely, and that’s why it’s so hard that we are not able to enjoy the hard work and the changes and the adjustments that we’ve made because it’s very similar. We were talking and you know, you watched it, is very similar to how we are responding together, the way we work, the attitude, the mentality, guys supporting one another, all of that is what it takes to turn the corner and get around. There was a game a few weeks ago, we were 2-5, I talked to them about the SC [University of Southern California] 2-5, it’s the same thing, we were in the same place at one point. We didn’t get that game, but that was a time to turn it. It just hasn’t happened yet. It feels like it’s just right there within our reach, maybe it doesn’t look like that to you guys, but that’s what it feels like. I can say that because of the mentality of the guys in the locker room. They continue to lead well, they continue to hang well, they continue to practice well and respond to the challenges of it. That part of it is ok, we have to play better.”
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS QUARTERBACK GENO SMITH
On Raiders Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson:
“I thought Olly [Raiders Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson] did a tremendous job with a weeks’ notice of getting guys prepared, putting together a game plan. No one knows how hard it is to step into that role when you haven’t been all season. To have to speak new terminology, to try to get players involved in the game, things that obviously he’s done before but I thought he did a great job. I’m really appreciative of Coach Olly for that.”
On the failure to sustain good drives throughout the game:
“We all just got to play better. I got to play a lot better. I’ve got to be better for the guys. That’s really it. We’ve got to be more consistent. I’ve got to be more consistent down in, down out.”
On past career experiences that have helped with this season with the Raiders:
“Every week is a new experience. Every year is a new experience. The past is the past. I’m focused on getting better right now and ways we can improve.”
On Raiders TE Brock Bowers:
“[Raiders TE] Brock Bowers is a tremendous player. We see it week in, week out. He makes plays all over the field. He does things not many guys can do. We’ve got to continue to find ways to get him in space and get him the ball, but he’s a great player.”
On the positives from the game to build upon:
“I think we all have to be more consistent. It starts with me. I’ve got to be a lot more consistent and do better for the guys. I’ve got to find a way to put up more points, help our defense out, give us leads so those guys can play with a lead.”
