[Official] Texans @ Chargers 9/9/2013

Quotes from Thursday's practice:

Head Coach Gary Kubiak

Spoiler

(on the backup quarterback situation) “We’ll go into the season with (QB) T.J. (Yates) starting as our two this week. I visited with those guys yesterday, at the end of Tuesday’s practice, I’m not sure. First off, I couldn’t have made a wrong decision. They both played so well, but I think it was a matter of one guy really raising his level of play in (QB) Case (Keenum) and how far he’s come. I think he has a very bright future, but I think T.J. answered the bell. He got pushed and T.J. played as good as he’s played around here throughout the course of the season. That’s the way we’ll get started, but I told them that’s a responsibility for T.J. to perform that well. It doesn’t mean we’re set for the season, so it will be very competitive, but that’s the way we’ll get started.”

(on FS Ed Reed’s status) “He’s come a long way. There’s some progress that would have to be made to get him ready to go on Monday, but boy has he made a lot of progress. We’ve had two extra practices on Monday and Tuesday. He did participate in those practices. Today, he participated on a limited basis in practice and so I don’t know. I don’t want to say it can’t happen because there’s been such good progress, so we’ll see day-to-day right now. Hopefully, we’ll do a little more tomorrow. We’ll put him in his pads tomorrow and see how he responds to that, but there has been great progress.”

(on why he’s confident in FS Shiloh Keo’s ability to start) “He’s just a much improved player. He got put in a situation. He knew from camp he was operating as a starter and did that through OTAs and through camp, and just responded, got better. Probably a lot like (QB) Case (Keenum) in that situation. He’s a young player just continuing to improve. Shiloh has a great command of what we do defensive, so there’s a lot of confidence in him from that standpoint. I just think he’s taken advantage of an opportunity.”

(on if FS Ed Reed does play this week if his reps will be treated like a first preseason game) “Yeah, I think it would naturally, if he is able to play and then it’s on us to figure out how much, what’s the progression, kind of like what we’ve gone through with (WR DeVier) Posey here. It’s just been encouraging from what we’ve seen to where we were when he came back after the shots, watching him moving around Monday and Tuesday, take Wednesday off and today, is very encouraging.”

(on if there’s a ceiling for the number of carries RB Arian Foster will receive this week) “42 (joking). No, I’ll tell you what, he looks really good. I’ve been impressed. He’s really had some good work, had a good day today. Obviously, we’re going to go into the game and he and (RB) Ben (Tate) are going to both get after it. That’s the way we’ve got it orchestrated, but I have been impressed with his wind, his conditioning. It’ll be the first time that he’s been hit, but that’s part of it. But he’s come a long way.”

(on G Wade Smith’s status) “Wade’s fine. He’s doing really good. He took the full-load of practice today. He made one heck of a recovery. He’s worked extremely hard. It’s important to him to be there for his guy’s upfront. We tried to talk to him about doing this much today and this much tomorrow, and he wasn’t having any of it. He said, ‘I’m coming back. I’m coming back.’ So he was a full participant.”

(on if he’ll talk to the team about anything beyond this week’s game) “No. We understand what our big goals, but short-term goals are what we talk about all the time. We can’t get to where we want to go or do anything we want to do as a team or an organization if we don’t start winning games. We have a big challenge this week opening on the road on Monday night. The emotions, a team with a new coach, against a hell of a quarterback, we’ve got our work cut out for us. We’ll just stay focused one day at a time and one team at a time, trying to win a game.”

(on whom the captains will be) “I’m going to do it Saturday since we’re moved back this week. We normally do it Friday for a Sunday opener. We’ll do it Saturday morning.”

(on what happened with T David Quessenberry) “We’re practicing Monday I think it was, yeah, it was the first day we came back. We’re in a drill, he just comes off the ball and didn’t even get touched. He just stuck his foot in the ground and broke his foot. So he had surgery yesterday. He and (T) Brennan Williams had surgery yesterday. They’re both doing fine. We’re kind of in an evaluation process right now with Quess, seeing how long will it take, is there a possibility he makes it back? Does he not make it back? (DE) Antonio (Smith’s) coming back next week. So there are a lot of things going on that could happen with that roster spot next week.”

(on if DE Jared Crick will start in place of DE Antonio Smith) “Yeah, Crick will start, yeah.”

(on if T Brennan Williams had the same arthroscopic surgery that he had before) “No, he actually had a micro fracture this time. Much more extensive.”

(on what the defensive line misses without DE Antonio Smith) “I think our team misses his energy. Antonio’s such an effort player, the type of guys that brings a lot of energy to our team. I think we miss some of that, but I also think our team has a lot of confidence in (DE) Jared (Crick) and how far he’s come. I’ll tell you Antonio did a really good job with the team on his last day that he could be here, which was, I think, Friday. I had him talk to the team after we practiced and he let them know he would take care of his business. He expected them to take care of theirs. We understand we’ve got a good player to replace come Monday night, but that’s part of the deal. So we’ve got to get ready to go.”

(on the one thing he likes the most about WR Andre Johnson if he had to pick just one thing) “Just how humble he is. How many years has Andre been in the league, 11? 10? We go out to practice today, we’ve got a young receiver, (WR DeAndre) Hopkins that just got a game plan and he is swimming now. He got a game plan and he walks across the street and 20 minutes later he’s got have it in place. And to watch Andre come out of the huddle with the patience and humility each and every snap to help the kid get over here, alignment here. Not all of the guys do that and he’s very unselfish in his everything he’s done, and his commitment to this organization. It’s very impressive.”

(on the Chargers’ success in the mid-2000s era and how talented they were) “Yeah, they’re extremely talented. I told the team today, I think there was a period there where they were an extremely consistent football team and right there each and every year. Not a whole has changed. They had some injuries last year on the offensive line. They got beat up. We know the quarterback can play as well as anybody in this league. Defensively, they were ninth in football last year even through their situation, so they were excellent. They’ve got a returner who, when he’s healthy, has been as good as anybody in football. We understand how talented they are and it’s obviously new life for them with (Head Coach) Mike (McCoy) taking over there. I know Mike very well. We know we’re going to get their best shot. It’s going to take a lot of poise and our best shot. I know that.”

(on SS Danieal Manning and how his experience helps the safeties) “Yeah, it’s been really important. I’ll tell you the other thing that’s happened to Danieal is he had GQ (Glover Quin) with him last year. GQ was a kind of a field general type of guy. That’s what (FS) Ed (Reed) is. When Ed isn’t playing, D-Man had to go out there and had to help (FS) Shiloh (Keo) and get the group going. D-Man’s become a better player because of the, I guess the forced role that he got put into during camp and stuff of more of a leader and a talker on the field. I think we’ve all seen him improve, so it’s been encouraging.”

(on ILB Brian Cushing saying his recent experiences will make him a better player) “Yeah, I would agree. I think, in this league, it doesn’t happen very much for guys who play 10 or 12 years in this league to go through some situations like Brian went through where he’s having problems like that. I think it makes you appreciate the game a little bit. I think it makes you appreciate how quick it goes and how quick it can be taken away from you. I’ve really seen a guy v very driven. Congratulations to him and he’s earned that. The team’s very proud of him. They gave him a big hand this morning in the meeting room, or a ribbing I guess, one or the other. But we’re all proud of him.”

(on TE Garrett Graham’s status) “He’s doing fine. He had a hip pointer coming out of New Orleans, but he’s fine. He’s okay.”

(on Chargers TE Antonio Gates and if he’s lost anything) “No, boy, he’s a heck of a player. I got to be around him at the Pro Bowl a couple of years ago. Very impressive. The thing that happens too, when you get to opening day, everybody is as fresh as they’re going to get all season. So we know we know we’re going to get his best shot, but he’s a hell of a player.”

(on the friendly rivalry between ILB Brian Cushing and DE J.J. Watt) “Yeah, I think they’ve both done pretty good. It’s great to have guys like that push each other every day. It makes our team better. Those two guys are big leaders on our football team.”

(on four undrafted free agents making the team) “I think a couple of things. First off, it talks about the scouts and the job that they do going out there helping us find players and then I think it also sends a tremendous message that we’ve got some coaches that can get young players up to speed real quick because you’re talking about a very short time for (OLB) Willie (Jefferson) to contribute, for (CB A.J.) Bouye to contribute. So I think a lot of credit goes to both of those. We believe in giving guys a fair shot and we’ve got some great examples on our team of guys who were not even drafted at all that have been very successful. It helps us in the offseason when we’re talking during the Draft and we’re talking to kids, we can say, ‘Hey, look what this guy’s doing for us.’ So I think it’s helped us get some players.”

(on if it’s disappointing that this draft class has experienced a lot of injuries) “It’s a little disappointing that they’re not there right now because of what’s happened with some of them physically, but I’ve kind of learned not to judge a draft class too quick because these things happen and I think over a period of time we’ll see. But I think it’s a good class. I just think we’ve been unfortunate with a few nicks.”

(on T David Quessenberry and if he’ll be placed on the Injured Reserve for the whole season or if he could return) “That’s what we’re trying to figure out right now. We’re trying to decide just exactly how long he’ll be out.”

(on if he’s made a roster move as a result of T David Quessenberry’s injury) “No. You know what? We did not because we’re trying to figure his situation. Obviously, we’ve got (DE) Antonio (Smith) coming back next week. Probably will not make one this week.”

(on if there any injury updates) “The one guy nobody asked me about is (ILB Darryl) Sharpton. Sharpton did not practice. Sharp was evaluated before the New Orleans game with a concussion and he is the concussion protocol right now. He’s doing very well today, but is not back on the practice field.”

(on if ILB Darryl Sharpton is still an unknown for this week’s game) “Still an unknown, yes.”

Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison

Spoiler

(on RB Arian Foster) “He looked good today. He ran around. He did the things we need to do. It looks like his tempo is great. Looked like he’s in pretty good condition for what we had him do. We’re going throw him out there and just see, rotate him out, and see how we go. We’ll see how the week develops too.”

(on what he sees being different on the right side of the offensive line this year) “A year’s experience is great for those two guys. I think (T) Derek (Newton) has really responded from being kind of out all through the OTAs and the summer. He started getting his wheels and boy, he’s really responded well. All that time, (G) Brandon (Brooks) was out getting reps. I think the two of them have another year under their belt. They understand a little bit more what each other are doing and I think that is really going to show. I think they’ve done a really nice job working together.”

(on G Brandon Brooks’ strengths) “Well he’s really strong. He’s really big. He has a good athletic ability. For what we do, it was a step from what he did in college, so that year has helped him quite a bit. I think he’s really working hard at it and he’s just talented as far as athletic for that size. It’s rare to see someone who can move around at his size. It’s just getting it all channeled and him in the right spot.”

(on if will help having two guys consistently playing and without a rotation on the right side) “We’ll see. We hope, but if we need to rotate some, we’ll just try and keep bodies fresh in there if we need to do that too.”

(on how tough the decision was on a backup quarterback between QBs T.J. Yates and Case Keenum) “Very hard. Very hard. They both played very, very well. They’re both extremely hard workers. Both are very bright. It’s one of those things that we keep looking at. I think they’re both good kids about it too. They are competitive but they’re rooting for each other.”

(on if he was surprised by QB Case Keenum’s progression this year) “I don’t know. I don’t know that it really surprised me, but he did go fast. Just watching him throw and move around when we first had him, you knew he had a lot of talent throwing the football, plenty of arm strength and athletic ability. He progressed pretty fast.”

(on how difficult it was to tell the quarterbacks the results of the backup quarterback competition) “I wasn’t in the room, but I can just imagine that no matter what you tell either one of those guys, they would say, ‘whatever is good for the team.’ Then they would start grinding and doing the best they can to change it.”

(on the luxury of having two good quarterbacks there as backups) “It’s very rare. It’s rare to have a good two sometimes. You look around the League, but to have two guys that you feel real comfortable with, that’s great. That’s great for us.”

(on how they improve their red zone efficiency this season) “Obviously we’ve put an emphasis on it. For us, it’s just staying on schedule, making sure we don’t go backwards. No negative plays down there. Obviously, we don’t want negative plays anywhere, but it’s a bigger importance down in the red zone to make sure we all have positive plays. We ran the ball well in the red zone, we just have to make sure we keep getting our three and four-yard gains and stay on schedule. We’re not forced to do any one thing. If we keep a defense to where they are guessing, we think we’re in a better situation.”

(on the offense planning to attack the red zone the same way as in 2012) “We’re just making sure we’re positive with our plays, we’re not turning the ball over and we’re still moving down in there.”

(on what he’s seen from WR De Andre Hopkins in preparation of his first regular season game) “As any young player will tell you, we do all we can to show them a regular gameplan in preseason, but we know we have a lot of guys that are going to play on the field. There is a ceiling that you put on each one of those. There is no ceiling today. As a young player will find out, there is a lot to soak in in a meeting and we go right out to walkthrough and go. It’s not like they can take it home and study it the night before. It’s just the way we do that. I think it helps because sometimes I think you need to go through it. I think he’ll be fine. I think he’ll grasp it. He’s grasped everything we’ve asked him to do thus far. First day, sure he’s going to swim a little bit, but I think he’ll be fine. I think the more he goes out there, and all the wide receivers are really good about working together and making sure everybody is on the same page. The quarterbacks have been a great help too.”

T Duane Brown

Spoiler

(on having RB Arian Foster back and the offense being predicated on the running game) “It means a lot. When we got into the huddle today and just seeing everybody healthy, seeing everybody in the huddle together, it made me realize the talent we have in our offense and the kind of potential we have to go out and perform. Monday Night is always a good time to put your best foot forward. San Diego is a tough team. We know the challenge that lies ahead of us and we’re looking forward to it.”

(on what it’s like to have consistency on the right side of the line with G Brandon Brooks and T Derek Newton) “It means a lot, having that continuity. Having two solid starters on that side of the line, it means everything. Two guys that can improve individually as well as improve as a group. When you have that person beside you who you feel comfortable with, that you communicate with, that you can gel with, it makes everything that much easier. Both of those guys have made huge strides from the beginning of training camp and I think they’ll both play at a high level this year.”

(on having G Wade Smith back) “It’s good to have him back. It means a lot. Like I said, having that continuity, having that guy beside you that you’re used to going into battle with, it means everything. Especially playing on the road, you won’t have to communicate as much, both have a feel for what each other are going to do and I’m looking forward to it.”

(on the difference between having someone next to you on the offensive line that you’re used to and someone who you aren’t sued to) “It’s a bit different. The offensive line, that room, that unit, is unlike anything on the team. Chemistry is everything. You can go out and play your tail off individually, but having someone beside you that you played with for years, it means a lot. Playing on the road, in a hostile environment, is when it comes into play more than any time. I’m looking forward to having him (G Wade Smith) out there and it’s good to see him healthy.”

DE Jared Crick

Spoiler

(on getting his first start and it being on Monday Night Football) “It means a lot just for the coaches to have confidence in me to go out there in a starting role. It’s a big responsibility and I’ve got to go out and do a job.”

(on earning the confidence in the coaches for him to start) “I’ve come a long way and I’m proud of that. I’ve put in a lot of work to get into this position, but it’s just week one. I’ve got a long ways to go yet. I’m going to go out and just play football.”

(on if he’s talked to DE Antonio Smith at all) “I haven’t. I’m going to give him a shout here in a couple of days. I know he’s been kind of off the grid being with the suspension. I know he’s working. He’s itching to get back.”

(on if he views this as a chance to show that he can be a starter in the NFL) “Yeah, I want to go out there and prove myself. Everybody in this league does. I’ve just got to go out there and play my style of football. Hopefully, good things will happen and we’ll go from there.”

(on getting the start on the big stage on Monday Night Football) “It’ll be an experience. I’m excited for it. Like I said before, it’s a big responsibility. I’ve got to go out there and do a job and help my team get a win.”

(on what are some of the keys of fulfilling his responsibility as a starter this week) “Just all of the improvements I’ve made from last year to this year, from the pass rush and everything from that stance. I’ve come a long way and I guess the coaches have seen that.”

RB Arian Foster

Spoiler

(on what it means to go back to San Diego) “It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be my first time playing in Qualcomm. Every high school kid in San Diego wants to play at Qualcomm. It’s going to be fun.”

(on if he ever played at Qualcomm in high school) “No, we fell one game short in the playoffs of playing there.”

(on why his family decided to move from San Diego from Albuquerque) “It was just I was getting in a lot of trouble back in Albuquerque. There comes a point in time when a son needs to be with his father, and my dad was in San Diego. Manifest destiny.”

(on playing defense at first in high school) “Yeah, mostly defense and some offense.”

(on when he was named the starting running back in high school) “Towards the end of my junior year.”

(on having his jersey retired at Mission Bay High School) “That was cool. It was a big moment for myself and my family. The people that took us in there in San Diego, they mean a lot to my family and we still keep in touch with them on a weekly basis. They took very good care of me when I was there and helped me grow. That’s why San Diego’s such a big part of my life.”

(on if he was a Chargers fan when he was there) “No. Oakland.”

(on how far he’s come in life) “I don’t really reminisce too much. I’ll do that when I’m done.”

(on how much the number of carries he receives this week are up to him versus Head Coach Gary Kubiak) “It’s all on me dog, I’m just playing. It’s strictly Gary Kubiak’s discretion. However much he wants me to have, then his rock is going to get. That’s a chess piece.”

(on how much he would like to play) “I feel like I’m game ready to carry the load, but obviously I can understand his timidness and the little bit of withdrawal that he’ll have. It’s early in the season. It’s game one. I’ll get my feet wet this game. However the game plays, that’s how it’s going to play. But I feel like I’m game ready.”

(on if he’s still feeling any of the effects of his injuries) “No.”

(on the game in high school when he fell short of making it to the state championship) “They do state now, but, when we were in high school, they just did CIF. It would have been for the city.”

(on the continuity on the offensive line with G Wade Smith being back and G Brandon Brooks and T Derek Newton starting for the second year) “It’s big. Wade’s a vet and it’s just good for them to get that cohesiveness that they need in order to gel as an offensive line. I think they’re going to get better as the year goes on. You’ve got three vets on the left side and two young players on the right and a vet in the middle. I think that just getting them that consistent play time is going to help them gel.”

(on the right side of the offensive line and if he has a level of chemistry with them) “I’ll be lying if I say yeah. It’s all instinct, man. You’re not really worried about who’s going to block who or how. It’s avoiding humans.”

(on if he didn’t move to San Diego and if he thinks he would be in the same spot today and if the move was needed) “Yeah, it needed to happen. I don’t know as far as there’s no telling. I’m glad I did though. Put it like that.”

(on if he’s stayed in touch with Earl Campbell) “Yeah, we talk periodically. I don’t want to bother him, so I let him do his thing.”

(on Earl Campbell being interested in him since he played for the Houston Oilers) “Well, it’s still Houston, so naturally. It’s an honor that he even knows my name. He’s a legend of the game, one of the greats and so the fact that he even takes any interest in you, that’s an honor.”

(on Earl Campbell being a fan of his) “Any time you have somebody of that caliber that played this game at such a high level say that they’re a fan of you, it’s humbling. It just makes you want to go out there and prove him right.”

(on Earl Campbell calling him a classy guy) “I don’t think he’s ever heard me on the field or he might take that statement back (joking). On the field, I’m probably the biggest trash talker, but it’s just all jokes. That’s just how I get into an opponent’s head. As far as off the field, he’s right, I’m not going to rub it in anybody’s face about anything. If I do, it’s all jokes. This football thing is a game to me and it’s a game to everybody else, but that’s how I view it in the grand scheme of life. It’s kind of a cliché statement, it’s a privilege to play football and you work hard for what you do, but it’s still a game.”

(on if he watched DE J.J. Watt’s performance on the TV show The League last night) “No, I missed it. I don’t watch TV. I’m sure he did well though.”

(on if he’s aware of Earl Campbell’s place in the pantheons of sports in Houston) “Obviously, I didn’t get reminded of that when I was on the practice squad. Nobody told me, ‘Hey, you’re in Earl Campbell’s (place).’ Once you started getting a little bit of national attention, ‘Hey, this is Earl’s (place).’ Yeah, you kind of got that then.”

(on if he has studied Earl Campbell) “I already studied him. I study all of the great backs. I’m a fan of the game, so I already watched him.”

(on the way Earl Campbell ran the ball) “It was dangerous. He ran violent. He ran with passion. I respect it. I can’t do it like that. I don’t want to do it like that, but I respect it that he was one of the best backs. He was just such a violent runner.”

(on the toll it took on Earl Campbell with the way he ran the ball and if he worries about life after football) “No, because if you watch how I play, I don’t take a lot of hits. I don’t take big hits. I step out of bounds. I probably get some flak for it, but whatever. They don’t have to walk my walk after I’m done. I play the game with passion. I play how I think it’s supposed to be played. I play it smart. I’m not trying to kill myself.”

(on if he watched Franco Harris) “I didn’t see much of him. It’s probably because of you all’s fault. Not you all, but the media. They hype who they hype and that’s who you hear about as a kid growing up. I’ve only heard of Franco Harris because of that catch. That’s just me though.”

(on his relationship with his high school coach) “I had two that I was really close with. One was Coach (Dennis) Pugh. Good ole Coach Pugh, man, he’s a character. He’s just a good dude who just really wants to see all of his players go to the next level and he did everything he could to do so. The next one is Desi Herrera; he was my coach when I was a junior. He was the main one that wanted to see me at running back. He’s the one that made the switch from me being third-string to first-string. He made the switch and he took a lot of flak for it because there were two seniors ahead of me and he was like, ‘I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.’ I owe him one.”

(on where his high school coach Desi Herrera is now) “He’s in San Diego, but he’s in Northern County. I don’t know.”

WR DeAndre Hopkins

Spoiler

(on progressing through the concussion protocol) “I’ve been doing good. I’m just following my protocol so I can get back out there and help my team.”

(on getting ready for his first regular season game) “I feel great. I feel better than ever. Strength training, they’ve been conditioning us very well, so I feel like I’m going to go out there and play to the best of my abilities.”

(on if there are any specific challenges he has to overcome since he missed time in the preseason) “No, not at all just because I’ve been taking the right measures to get myself back out there and be as healthy as I’ve been before. So I think I’ll be alright.”

(on how surreal this week has been for him) “Surreal, I wouldn’t say because after the first preseason game, all that went out the door. I’m ready to go out there and make a statement for myself and for this team.”

(on if he got his jitters out during the preseason) “I would say the first day of practice when I went against (CB) Johnathan Joseph. You’re competition can’t get any better than that, so you’ve kind of got to throw the rest of that stuff out the window and go out there and work.”

(on playing his first full game with WR Andre Johnson) “It’s going to be great to see what we do out there together along with these other wide receivers that’s been putting in work with us. We’ve got a great core, (WR) DeVier Posey and (WR) Lestar (Jean). We’ve got a great group of guys.”

(on the difference in him now coming out of college, after going through OTAs and training camp) “Just taking care of your body off the field. Kind of in college, you have to stay at the facilities and sleep there but here you get to go home and do other stuff but you still have to be on top of your ‘A’ game, come practice.”

(on if he had ever experienced the concussion protocol before) “No. That’s something I never experienced. It wasn’t easy because I wanted to be out there with my team. I would see those guys practicing and playing in the preseason games and it just hurt me that I couldn’t be out there with them.”

(on if the reps he missed in the preseason games were really valuable) “Every rep is valuable that I miss. It’s a mental rep. I was getting mental reps on the sideline when I wasn’t able to physically.”

(on if he is the missing piece to the Texans scoring more in the red zone) “I don’t feel like I’m the missing piece, I just feel like the team didn’t do as well. I’m not sure what that was but we’ve got a lot of great players that can get the job done in the end zone. I just wanted to come out and help them in their terms.”

(on how special it is to place his first game on Monday night on national television) “It’s very special for anybody, especially a rookie for his first game to be Monday Night Football. The whole world is watching. Only two games on that night so I just want to go out there and make a statement for this team.”

(on why he thinks he has always performed well in the spotlight) “I feel like the pressure is on and that’s when I step up and answer. I feel like in college, it’s a lot different. You can take games off. But in the NFL, no matter if you’re playing the worst team in the conference, they can beat you easily because they’re all pros. I don’t feel like that’s going to be the same as it was in college.”

QB Matt Schaub

Spoiler

(on getting RB Arian Foster back) “Yeah, he’s a big part of what we do, our starting halfback back there. I’m excited to get him back in the huddle and get him the football and let him go to work. He’s been a playmaker for our team for four years.”

(on how much RB Arian Foster will get the ball this week) “I don’t know. That’s between him and the Coach. I don’t know if they’re going to do a play count. Whoever’s in the game, we’re just going to get him the ball and go, whether it’s him or (RB) Ben (Tate), we have confidence in both of them. Being that he’s out there, I’m expecting him to just go play.”

(on how RB Arian Foster has looked since being back) “He looks normal to me. I don’t know. To me, he looks good.”

(on what expects from WR DeAndre Hopkins) “I expect him to just go out and play the way he’s been playing all preseason and offseason. The game’s not too big for him. He just gets in the huddle. He’s a smart guy, just understanding our game plan. We put a lot into our game plan from a wide receiver standpoint and in our formations and our adjustments on routes. I’m expecting to go in and make plays. We’re going to get him the football when it’s there and let him go.”

(on the offense carrying over from the preseason to the regular season) “We’ll see how the game goes, but obviously we like to run the football and then create big plays in the pass game. Whatever the defense is giving us come Monday night we’re going to take. I’d like to say we’re going to be one way or the other, but it’s just how the game’s kind of flowing, how it goes.”

(on the Chargers’ defense) “They’re a good group. They’re very physical and active upfront, do a lot of things from a pressure standpoint in their secondary. They have some new faces, but guys that have played a lot of football in this league. So they’re a veteran group. They’ve got a good tandem of safeties in the backend that have played a lot of football. We’re just going to have to go out there and it’s going to be a tough test for us.”

(on the growth of G Brandon Brooks and T Derek Newton on the right side of the offensive line) “A lot of growth. When you look at them coming into year two, with the experience that they got last year, you see that growth from in the offseason and throughout training camp. The comfort they have next to one another making calls, making calls without talking or whatever because they understand the adjustments and what both are doing. You definitely see them on the same page and it’s good to see.”

(on the difficulties of being a rookie wide receiver) “I just think it depends on the offensive scheme and how much you ask and put on their plate. Obviously, we ask our guys to do a lot and sometimes the length of the season, they’re not used to the grind of 16 weeks. We expect a lot out of them and those guys are prepared to go out and play well. All we can ask is for them to go out and do their best week one and be in the right places and catch the football and make plays. Obviously, a lot of the veterans on our offensive football team have those guys ready to play. (WR) Andre (Johnson’s) getting those receivers ready. I’m getting them ready. (RB’s) Arian (Foster’s) getting them ready. So it’s just all of us leading by example and demonstrating how to get ready for Monday night.”

(on the offensive line being solidified now with G Wade Smith back and G Brandon Brooks and T Derek Newton on the right side being in year two as starters) “The continuity of it is great. You want to have the same groups because so many of them have played together. When you look at (T) Duane (Brown) and Wade and (C) Chris (Myers), those three have played four or five years now together and just that continuity and cohesiveness with that group goes unnoticed a lot, especially when you go on the road and you can’t hear and they’ve got to make calls. Having those guys on the right side having now played together for a season going into year two, you see them developing that same level of communication.”

(on starting the season on Monday Night Football) “It’s exciting. You’re the only show on TV. Everyone’s watching you come Monday night, so it’s exciting to go and perform on that stage and you take it on the road. It’s just you guys in the huddle and it’s just you versus them in their stadium with their fans. It’s exciting and we’re looking forward to it. You don’t need any added juice or anything to get ready for this type of environment week one going on the road on Monday night.”

(on if he’s able to pick up much from watching San Diego in the preseason) “I think everyone disguises a little bit. You don’t want to go out and show your whole hand in the preseason. You want to go out and evaluate your guys and evaluate your team. So you watch a little bit of last year’s film as well as the preseason because you want to see their personnel that they have this season and how they’re adjusting to what they’re scheme is. You watch a little bit of both.”

(on Chargers OLB’s Dwight Freeney and Jarrett Johnson and if he knows how they’ll be used) “Since we’ve played those guys before, we kind of know how they play. But as far as their scheme, you just watch how they’ve done things in the past and how they’ve used them in the preseason. There’s a lot of unknowns going into week one and there’s going to be a lot of in-game adjustments that you have to make on the sideline or at halftime. We’re a team that usually does that pretty well.”

G Wade Smith

Spoiler

(on the process getting back from his injury) “Went home and got the surgery done. The prognosis, the first game was kind of in limbo, but once I knew that there was any possibility of me being ready, I had my mind made up that I’d be ready just because this is when it counts. Guys that I line up and play with, (T) Duane (Brown), (C) Chris (Myers), those guys, (QB) Matt (Schaub), we’re brothers. You never want to have a situation where you can’t be there for your brothers. When I knew that I’d have an opportunity to be ready, I made my mind up that I’d be ready.”

(on how he views about what he’ll be able to do on Monday) “I’m preparing myself to play every snap and go out and win a ball game.”

(on if it’s easier said than done to be ready to play the full-load) “Nothing in the NFL is easy, but, at the same time, this isn’t my first rodeo either. So I feel like if I’m ready to play, I’m ready to play.”

(on the season opener being on Monday Night Football) “Actually, it worked out perfectly for me and for our group. We’ve got some guys that have been nicked up and guys that needed a little extra time and so we get a full extra day and it’s a late game. It’s a prime time game. Our team is looked at as one of the better teams in the league and we consider ourselves one of the better teams in the league, so you have an opportunity to play in front of the country and show it.”

(on his relationship with T Duane Brown when they play next to each other) “We have a really good rapport between each other. He’s, in my opinion, the best left tackle in the game. I enjoy playing next to him. We have the same type of demeanor and attitude of finishing blocks and getting after guys, and not really caring about what they think. That’s the mentality that we spread throughout the line and that’s what it means to be a Houston Texans offensive linemen. We’re kind of the bell cows of that.”

(on how happy he was when he found out he was going to be ready for game one) “I had it in my mind that I would be ready. It’s just kind of business as usual. I missed a few preseason games, but now it’s time to go.”

DE J.J. Watt

Spoiler

(on if the chains are breaking away) “Soon, soon, soon. It’s coming. I’m starting to break them away. The chains are starting to rush a little bit. It’s coming.”

(on how much he thinks about walking off the field following the AFC Divisional loss to New England last January) “Not the slightest bit. I don’t think about last season at all. I learned from it. I moved on. It’s a new season, new year, new expectations, new heights. I’m worried about the San Diego Chargers. I’m worried about the Houston Texans doing big things and all I can do is put focus on myself, put focus on my team. It’s a new year.”

(on opening the season on Monday Night Football) “Everybody’s watching on Monday night. Kind of the whole world tunes in. It’s a chance for the entire nation to see what you’re about. It’s great for us. We get a chance to go out there and put our best foot forward and show everybody, set the tempo for the year. We’re excited for the opportunity, we’re excited for the chance and it’s going to be fun.”

(on always challenging himself) “Absolutely. Every single thing I do I’m trying to be better at. Complacency kills progress. If you start to feel complacent, if you start to feel satisfied, if you start to feel okay with where you’re at, that’s when you start to regress. That’s when other people start to get and advantage on you. For me, I’m always looking to be better in every single thing I do, whether it’s a box jump, whether it’s in the weight room, whether it’s on the field, every single thing I’m doing I’m trying to be better at because the second that I feel like I’ve made it, the second that I feel like I’ve arrived, that’s the second somebody else takes my spot. And I’ll never give up my spot. I like where I’m at. I love playing for this team. I love being the best and the only way to stay the best is to work like you’re in last. Train like you’re in last, play like you’re in first. That’s kind of what I go by.”

(on what the team loses without DEAntonio Smith in Week 1) “We lose a very good player, a good pass rusher. He’s playing great in the run. He had a great training camp. We lose a little personality, too. All you can do is play with the 11 they give you. We’ve got 11 guys. (DE Jared) Crick’s going to play great. He had a great camp, great preseason. But we miss Tone (DE Antonio Smith) and it will be good to have him back after this game. We’re going to go out there and we’re going to do our best and when he comes back, we’ll welcome him back.”

(on San Diego QB Philip Rivers saying that it’s a quarterback’s job to know where he is on the field and if he likes it better now or when quarterbacks weren’t looking for him) “It doesn’t really matter to me. It’s my job to get to the quarterback. I guess, if he’s thinking about me every single play and looking for me every single play, that’s one moment where his mind is not on something else, so that’s good. Because if you’re worried about me and worried about where I’m coming from, then you might not be looking at your reads. You might not be looking down the field. So that’s good. But the quarterback can’t block me. It’s other people’s job to block me and all I can do is go out there and play my game. I love a challenge. I love it when people throw stuff at me, throw different things at me. It’s a great opportunity.”

(on San Diego QB Philip Rivers) “He’s a very good quarterback. He’s a big-time talent and he can make some great throws and he can make some good reads. He’s a good player and it’s definitely going to be a good challenge for us.”

(on why San Diego QB Philip Rivers only having four passes batted down last season) “There’s not really anything, like I said before, batting passes, part of it’s luck. I mean, a little bit of it is luck. I’m sure he practices it; I’m sure he works on it. There’s a way I guess you can try and throw around arms, things like that. Hopefully we add to the total. Hopefully we can start him off with a total this year but you never know. I’m hoping to get the sack. I’d love it to have zero batted balls and all sacks, so we’ll see.”

(on what it will mean to have ILB Brian Cushing back on the field) “Money bags? I’m just kidding. It’s absolutely great to have Cush (ILB Brian Cushing) back. I’m really excited, obviously. Can’t wait to play with him. I didn’t get a ton of opportunities to play with him this preseason so I can’t wait to get back out there. It’s going to be good to have the Bash Brothers back together out there. I love playing with Cush. He’s a great player. It’s fun to play with him. We’re both very intense, high-motor guys who get after it. I think that’s what I love about Cush, is he’s always flying around the field. It’s fun to play with a guy like that.”

(on where ILB Brian Cushing is taking his teammates to dinner) “I can’t tell you all that. I can’t even go anywhere as it is.”

(on if there is a friendly rivalry between he and ILB Brian Cushing) “Absolutely. I think that’s one thing that makes us great. It’s also one thing that draws us to each other, is that we both want to be the best, all the time, whether it’s in the weight room, on the field, anywhere. I think that it brings the best out of each other because I know he’s always working. He knows I’m always working. At the end of the day, it’s great, because on Sunday, we’re both working together, in this case on Monday. You love having that little rivalry because we’re pushing each other at the end of the day, when the rivalry is set aside, we’re brothers and we’re on the same team. We’re pushing for the same goal. It’s a pleasure to play with a guy like that.”

(on some of the things ILB Brian Cushing did to mentor him when he first got into the NFL) “He cut my hair. No, I’m just kidding. You have to pick the right guys to follow when you get into this League as a rookie and you want to find guys who do things a certain way. You want guys who go about their business the right way. Cush (ILB Brian Cushing) was one of those guys that I noticed early on. I mean, he works. He puts in the work. He’s doing the right things as far as stretching and getting massages. I’d always been a guy who was like that. I always was a guy who liked putting in the extra work, who liked putting in the extra hours. It was pretty easy to follow a guy like Cush because he does the same type of thing. We’re wired kind of the same way. I think that’s what brought us together.”

(on how much it helped having a veteran like ILB Brian Cushing helping him early on in his career) “It was great. It was good to have a guy like that, who’s been around for a little while and obviously who has been dominant in this game and can be dominant in this game. So it’s good. It’s good to see that and obviously, it’s always nice as a rookie to have a guy to help bring you along.”

(on if he expects other team’s offensive lines to approach him differently) “I think in the second half of last season, I saw a lot of things that teams that can throw at me. There’s always going be some new wrinkle that they can throw in and some new thing, but I’ve said it all along, you have to block all 11 of us. If you focus a lot of attention on me, then it’s going to leave a couple of other guys free, and it’s not guaranteed to work. I’m sure there will be a couple of new things, but I’m ready for it. I love a challenge and my favorite thing is when they throw the whole house and the kitchen sink at me, and then you still get the sack. What else can they do? That’s why I love the challenge. That’s why I love the opportunity. Nothing more satisfying when you beat their best.”

(on watching ILB Brian Cushing receive and extension and if he’s wondered what that day will be like for him) “Yeah, that day hopefully will come, but I know the one thing about it, I can’t control anything. All I can do is go out there on the field and put my best foot forward. The money, the contract, all of that stuff will take care of itself. All I can I can do is play football. There’s literally nothing I can do. I can’t talk it into existence, wish it into existence. I need to play good football and all of that stuff will take care of itself. I’ve said all along, Money doesn’t motivate me, greatness motivates me. That’s what it’s about for me. I’m very fortunate that we get to play this game. They pay us a lot of money to play this game. You love making a living and I’m very fortunate, but it’s about being the best and that’s all it’s about for me.”

(on if he watched the TV show ‘The League’ last night since he was in it) “No, I was asleep. I didn’t get to watch it last night, but woke up and saw a lot of people had great things to say about it. It was a lot of fun to do, but I know they did a great job editing it. I’m sure it turned it out great. I hope it did.”

 

Friday's quotes:

Head Coach Gary Kubiak

Spoiler

(on FS Ed Reed’s status) “He practiced the entire practice today. He took more reps than he did yesterday. There was improvement once again, so I think there’s a shot. I think we’ll see how he comes out of today’s work. He kept his pads on the whole practice, since he’s behind the other guys. There was obviously some improvement.”

(of if FS Ed Reed will be a typical game-time decision) “I think that’s probably where we’re heading because of our situation with some other things going on. When we look at our 46, it’s probably the last available spot, game-time decision right now.”

(on if he was impressed with the way FS Ed Reed was moving around) “Yeah and he did some one-on-one stuff and things he hasn’t been doing. He got involved in some team periods. Yeah, I think from where we’ve been and where we’re at right now, it’s just exciting to see because it’s coming along quick.”

(on what he’s seen from FS Shiloh Keo to make him feel more comfortable with him starting) “He’s just a much improved player through opportunities and repetition. He’s just has much more confidence in what we’re doing and had a real good preseason. Just seeing the natural progression of a young player that all of a sudden gets pushed into a starter role and he responds to it. So he’s done that.”

(on ILB Joe Mays’ role on defense) “First off, he had a really good practice today. It’s funny you bring him up. He’s been trying to catch up and fit in, type of deal from getting here late, but he’s very talented, very athletic, fits what we do inside. Him and Cush (ILB Brian Cushing) are a great combination from a speed standpoint inside. I think what’s going to happen, you’re going to see Joe only get better each and every time out for our team because he has not been in the scheme very long.”

(on how important it is to win this first game and get off to a good start) “Everybody wants to get off on a good start. I think the biggest thing for us is it’s very challenging because Monday night on the road, long day, late late game and then our turn around next week is going to be extremely difficult in such a short period of time. There are a lot of things, lot of factors that make it tough on the road team that opening Monday night. We’re trying to prepare for that and work through it. They’re all challenges, but, yeah, we’re excited to play. Every team kind of goes into some unchartered waters this weekend, plays more plays than they’ve ever played. The starters play longer than they’ve played in a month. There are a lot of things we’re trying to prepare our football team for.”

(on where ILB Darryl Sharpton is in the concussion protocol) “I don’t (know) the number. He’s in the middle. He’s not at the end yet, I can tell you that. Five is good. Remember I told you that, five is good.”

(on if the team is more comfortable playing in primetime this year) “I don’t know if I view it as a primetime. Every game is on TV nowadays, but I think we’ve had, because of some of the things we’ve done, we’ve had to fight the scheduling issues, Sunday, Thursday, Saturday sometime late in the season. So we’re playing all over the place, so we’ve learned a little bit more how to adapt. I think we’ve done a good job with our patience this week of not giving our players too much too quick. We’ve held on before we started our week and they’ve responded pretty good from that standpoint. If anything else, we have a little bit more experience with some of these different schedules.”

(on how WR DeVier Posey has progressed) “Good. Yeah, he’s going to play a lot of special teams. That’s the number one place his play is going to pick up. We’ll put a play count number on him also offensively. Like I told you, he’s probably in preseason game two, but that’s okay. It’s great to have him back. We’ll get him along. He’s competing out there with (WR Lestar) Jean right now. Between Lestar and Hop (WR DeAndre Hopkins) and Posey, they’ll all play that position for us.”

(on his expectations for WR DeAndre Hopkins) “Well, they’re very high, but I’ve also tried to settle down here because he missed the last two games and that was important. He needed to play. There’s nothing he could do. So there has been a catch up period. Good thing we’ve had a long week because he’s trying to adjust to, ‘Okay, here comes an NFL game plan. Here’s what’s expected of you on a given week,’ and it’s been a shock in a lot of ways. It’s our job to get him comfortable before we get to Monday night. (WR) Andre (Johnson’s) helping him. (WRs Coach) Larry (Kirksey’s) doing a good job with him. But that’s something he’s got to learn to adapt to week-in and week-out.”


(on if WR DeAndre Hopkins has become more comfortable in general) “That’s never an issue. He’s very competitive. I think the biggest issue for him right now is volume of NFL stuff and what we do, but that’s on us because, if he’s on that field, I’ve got to do what he’s comfortable with. So I’ve got to know what I’m doing calling things for him and those type of things. That is the next adjustment for him. That will come as we go through the season because it’s just a natural shock to begin with.”

(on if there are any injury updates) “Sharp (ILB Darryl Sharpton) is the only one. Still not out there. Well, (G) Wade (Smith) was great today. He was fine.”

(on who will return kicks and punts) “(WR) Keshawn (Martin) will do both. I’d like to use (SS) Danieal (Manning). Until (FS) Ed (Reed) gets healthy, I don’t think you’ll see Danieal back there, but you’ll definitely see him in the regular season.”

(on if SS Danieal Manning will return kicks earlier in the season than later) “Yeah, we did it later last year. I think you’ll see it earlier as long as (FS) Ed (Reed’s) healthy and we’re healthy on the back end with the numbers of safeties we’ve kept on this team, then I would feel comfortable doing it.”

Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips

Spoiler

(on comparing RB Arian Foster to RB Earl Campbell) “Earl, obviously, was special. Earl was a different runner than Foster. Production for Foster has been tremendous. That equates, but Earl was like a lawnmower. When we played on grass, it was like a lawnmower. The grass was coming out as he was going through the line. I just haven’t seen anybody like that since him. Now Foster has the great quickness and movement and the ability to make people miss, a great back. Maybe both of them will be in the Hall of Fame at one time. I think if Foster keeps going like he’s going, he’s certainly got a chance to do that. I’ve been on defense with both of them and I’ve been lucky to be with some great ones: LT (LaDainian Tomlinson) in San Diego, Thurman Thomas (in Buffalo). I’ve been around some great backs. I’ve been lucky to be on the defensive side where they control the football so we don’t have to play as much.”

(on S Ed Reed’s improvement) “Ed Reed, I wouldn’t have given him a shot early in the week, but he’s practiced more and more. He’s moved better and better. He’s felt good after he’s practiced. I think we’ll still have to wait and see obviously, but he’s getting real close and that’s a good thing for us.”

(on ILB Brian Cushing saying that he was his favorite coach because of all the freedom he gives him in the system) “Yeah. He had his best practice. Brian had his best practice today. I thought he would be loaded down, heavy, but he was moving. He was moving pretty good. He had his best practice today. He’s one of those guys. It’s not about me coaching him; it’s me letting him do the things that they do well. I think you have to identify that as a coach. I think that is a part of coaching, identifying what a guy can do and then let him do that. Brian is such an aggressive player that we let him be aggressive. In fact, we let him be overaggressive in a lot things. Somebody else will cover for him, just like we do with (DE) J.J. (Watt). Any time you get a great player, you’ve got to let them go. You’ve got to let them do the things they do well. He does so many things well. That’s important for us. He’s fun to coach. I told the story before, when I first got here, we started playing and he plays so hard and so fast that I showed all the players on tape on the video. I said, ‘If everybody plays like this guy,’ and I showed the plays he was playing. I said, ‘If everybody plays like this guy, we’re going to win.’ You’ve got a guy that is an example of how to play and players started to emulate how fast he played and it made them better. He’s an exceptional player and a great guy. And he’s got a lot of money.”

(on how much he’s looking forward to having ILB Brian Cushing and DE J.J. Watt on the field together) “Any time you have playmakers out there, that’s what you want on defense. Of course, we missed a playmaker more than half the year last year with Cush out. We’ve got a lot of playmakers now I think. I don’t think they’ll be the only two. I think the other guys, we’ve got some guys that have improved. We’ve got some guys that can really play, that were really good players anyway. I can almost name all of our 11 guys on defense. We’ve got guys that can play. I think they’re going to do well.”

(on how comfortable FS Ed Reed is with the defense) “Yeah, Ed’s on top of everything as far as what we do. He really is and, they’ve said it, he is a coach on the field type of player. He knows what he does, but he also knows what everybody else does. And he also knows what the other team does. He’s that kind of player. That sets him apart from most any guys I’ve been around. He can jump into our defense and say, ‘All right, J. Jo’s (CB Johnathan Joseph) matched up with this guy over here and I’m supposed to help J. Jo or J. Jo, you go take that guy, I’m going to go help somebody else.’ He can already do things. I just haven’t had many players that are like that. He’s getting closer. It’ll be soon.”

(on the knowledge FS Ed Reed has) “A lot of players say other players help them and that kind of thing and then not many coaches say a lot of players help them. He knows defense and we’ll say, ‘We’ll make this adjustment here on this,’ and he’ll say, ‘Why don’t we do it this way?’ We’ll say, ‘Maybe.’ Sometimes, yes. He’s come up with a couple of things today, yeah, we might do it that way. Like I said, he’s a coach on the field and he’s the same way in the classroom. We have a way that we’ve done things, but the way we do things is to utilize personnel. If he feels like he can do something and gives us an idea, certainly we’ll utilize that.”

(on how much of a student of the game FS Ed Reed is) “His are better than most of the other ones. He’ll speak up for one thing. I’ll say that for him because he knows it. He knows what he does, but he knows what other guys are supposed to do and that fits real well.”

(on DE Jared Crick’s progression) “Crick had a good year last year for us coming in as a role player. He’s getting an opportunity to start this game. He’s improved his pass rush. He’s a pretty natural player in the run in that he finds the football well. He doesn’t get knocked off the line. He plays double teams and those kinds of things well. He did those things last year and he’s a strong run player. I think he’s gotten stronger in the pass too. I’m looking forward to him playing.”

(on ILB Joe Mays fitting into the defense) “He’s a solid football player that can make plays. If you saw him in the Minnesota game meet the Pro Bowl fullback and knock him on his back, you know he’s got some ability as far as physicality. He and even Cush (ILB Brian Cushing), they’ve just needed a lot of work together and Cush without some. We just need a lot of work in some of those pass things and how to work in passing off to each other and those kind of things. He did have a really good day today as did Cush. That’s going to be important for us, those two guys inside.”

(on the friendly rivalry between ILB Brian Cushing and DE J.J. Watt) “Cush has got a rivalry with everybody. He’s on point all the time. He’s going to outplay every linebacker he sees on film. He’s going to try to. That motivates Cush to play good. It’s he wants to play better than anybody, no matter who it is. Most of the guys that I’ve had that are really great players are the same way. They want to outplay everybody.”

CB Johnathan Joseph

Spoiler

(on FS Shiloh Keo) “I really don’t know the rotation, but obviously Keo’s gotten a ton of reps. He played a lot last year in the base defense and dime defense. He has plenty of playing experience. Obviously, (S D.J.) Swearinger has come in and played early as a rookie. He was drafted in the second round. I think he did a great job in the preseason and in training camp, and showed himself to be ready to play early in his career.”

(on what Chargers QB Philip Rivers brings to the table) “He’s a veteran quarterback. He’s been an All Pro before, a Pro Bowl quarterback. He always plays at a high level. He knows how to utilize everybody that is around him. He gets the ball out quick. He doesn’t really take sacks. He’s one of those guys you kind of have to make him stay in the pocket, not let him get out and create plays. He’s not a guy that likes to run and just running around all day with the ball, but he can create extra time. We’ve just got to focus on keeping him in the pocket.”

(on the Chargers big receivers in TE Antonio Gates and WR Malcolm Floyd) “It’s always challenge just because you give up a size difference from a height standpoint, but it’s a good challenge. It’s one of those challenges that you kind of welcome and you take on. For us, it’s just about competing each and every down. It’s football. They’re going to make a few plays here and there. Obviously, we want to come out at the end of the game making more plays than those guys.”

WR Keshawn Martin

Spoiler

(on him being the primary kick and punt returner for the time being) “To go out there and play anything on the field is a great feeling. I just want to go out there and have some big plays for the team.”

(on how he can improve in his punt returning given that his average return was fifth in the NFL) “As a team, we’ve got to cut some of the penalties out. Me, as a runner, I’ve just got to make those explosive plays that I know I’m capable of. I’m excited to see what we’re going to do this Monday.”

(on if he’s getting more comfortable this year with returning) “Yes, it’s much easier. Getting used to it and just getting more of a feel for the game and just having that year of experience under your belt.”

(on how much it helps that he’s played a year and building on that) “It helps a lot. Like I said, just getting a feel for everything and trusting your guys out there. I trust my guys blocking for me that they’re going to get me into the end zone.”

(on how exciting it is that he can have an impact by being a returner) “It’s very exciting. Any time you return one for a touchdown, it changes the whole momentum of the game. That’s really want I want to do for the team and help us win.”

(on how WRs DeAndre Hopkins and DeVier Posey have looked as they try to get back this week) “They look great. Posey and Hopkins, both of those guys, they’re going to help us a lot this year and I’m looking forward to seeing those guys play.”

ILB Joe Mays

Spoiler

(on his quick adjustment to the defense and now looking ahead to playing the Chargers on Monday night) “I’m looking forward to it, man. It’s been a ton of headaches. I think Coach (Wade) Phillips told me I gave him gray hairs. I’m just out here trying to work, trying to get better and do whatever I can to make the defense better.”

(on what he did to give defensive coordinator Wade Phillips gray hairs) “Just making mistakes. I’ve only been in the system maybe a month. I try not to use that as an excuse but at the same time, I want to do what it takes to go out there and perform and be consistent and know what I’m doing. There have been a couple of bumps and bruises but I think I’m getting there.”

(on getting in sync with ILB Brian Cushing) “It’s going great. I think the best thing we do right now is communicate. We’re always talking, whether we’re on the sideline or on the field. Communication is the key. That’s the key to success. We try to do as much of that as we can.”

(on what the San Diego offense brings to the table) “They’re explosive. (QB) Phillip Rivers, he makes a ton of plays. I don’t think he gets a lot of credit for the things that he does. He’s very consistent. He goes out there and he can throw the ball. He can really get after it. They have some explosive receivers too. Let’s not forget (TE Antonio) Gates. That guy has been consistent for the past, what? How long has he been in the league? 20 years? (joking) He’s been doing a great job. We definitely have to come to the table and be ready to play because they’re definitely going to bring their best.”

(on the production of TE Antonio Gates) “Yeah, he’s been producing ever since he came into the league. He’s been the premier tight end, at least top five, each and every year. I think he’s finally healthy. He feels good. He’s going to bring a big game to the table. Now we have to do whatever we can to stop him.”

C Chris Myers

Spoiler

(on where he thinks the offensive line is heading into the season opener) “Good. We’ve had a great camp, great year with OTAs and training camp and throughout the preseason games. With (LG) Wade (Smith) coming back now from being unhealthy the past few weeks and the right side kind of meshing together with (RG) Brandon (Brooks) and (RT) Derek (Newton), it’s going to be great to be able to see it all come together in Week 1.”

(on what stands out about San Diego’s defense) “Just a tremendously talented defense. They’ve got a lot of new guys there inside they picked up right after the preseason was over. They’ve been plugging in guys here and there and they’ve been running with it. They’re pretty similar to our defense, a 35 front for the most part, so I think we’re kind of familiar with the overall structure. But they get a lot of pressure. That’s one thing we’ll have to keep an eye out for.”

(on how important it is to go 1-0) “It’s been our theme here for the past two, three years; I don’t know how long it’s been that way. It’s been working so I don’t see us changing. 1-0 every week. You’re focus is always in the game at hand.”

(on if it’s harder to prepare for the first game of the season not having seen what San Diego is going to do) “That’s the way it is usually when you’re playing a team that has a new coordinator or new head coach. It is what it is. All you have is the preseason games and then the previous team that coordinator was with. So you find yourself kind of watching some other teams and only watching a handful of plays throughout the preseason but a lot of teams have to go through that Week 1.”

FS Ed Reed

Spoiler

(on how he’s doing right now) “I’m doing well. It’s progressing. Last time I talked to you guys, it was progressing and it was good. It’s much better now. I’ve still got some scar tissue that needs to be broken up and that’s probably the thing that makes my hip guard. Mentally, I guard it a little bit, but it feels good.”

(on if he thinks he’ll be able to play on Monday or if he’ll be a game-time decision) “Like Coach (Gary Kubiak) said, it’s day-to-day. He’s asking me how I feel every day and, like I told him, it feels better pretty much every day. I’m getting a lot of treatment. I’ve had my therapist in town. My doctor’s coming into town. That’s stuff I do year long. It’s not anything I would do any differently. I’m feeling good. Honestly, I want to play. That was my goal from day one, but I know Coach and myself and Kap (Head Athletic Trainer Geoff Kaplan), we want to be smart about it.”

(on having his therapist in town and if that’s who he saw in Atlanta) “Oh no, my therapist is for massage and stretching and stuff.”

(on if he’s further along than he expected to be at this point) “Yeah, like I told you guys, I thought I was ahead of schedule last time we talked. I think I told you I thought I was two, three weeks ahead of schedule. To make the decision not be on the PUP, I think that shows that I’m ahead of schedule and won’t miss the first six games like I did last time with the hip surgery. This one was not as severe, though I still feel it.”

(on if he has a gut feel about whether he’ll play on Monday) “We’re going to be smart about it. It probably will be a decision that’s made right before the game. That’s the way this has been going. Kind of 50-50 right now honestly. I couldn’t say if I’m going to play or not going to play. If Coach (Gary Kubiak) says it’s up to me and it’s up to me to some degree and it’s up to him too and how he feels about the team as a whole. But us, we’re communicating well and I’m moving well. I’m progressing. I’ve been progressing. I feel strong, but I know I still have some things that are weak because you have that hip surgery; you lose strength, which you’re usually losing your glut strength, your hamstring to overwork. My left hip was compensating as well. It’s a lot of maintenance that I have to do to make sure nothing else happens and I pray nothing us happens, but you can’t control it. That’s football. You tend to have injuries.”

(on if he learned more about maintaining his body because of his previous surgery) “No, I knew that from the jump. Just from the history of going through it the first time. I knew that was the case because my hamstring was tight. You’ve just got to be smart about it.”

(on who he went to see in Atlanta about his injury) “My doctor who I’ve been working for the last six years or so and my son as well. My son is there. Got to spend some time with him.”

(on what he thought about the Ravens giving up seven touchdown passes last night) “Yeah, I went to sleep after the third quarter. I thought the guys were playing really well. I thought they were playing really well up until you kind of stalemated on offense and you had some penalties, turnovers are key every time. I can imagine what Coach (John) Harbaugh is telling them. I thought the guys played well. It’s kind of a bummer to open up on the road your first game, but that’s the business that they had to deal with. I still look for the guys. I still support them.”

(on if it was odd watching his former team on TV and if he thought that was odd) “No, not at all. I know it’s a business where I am. I know where I am in life and I know where I am as a teammate. That switch has hit a while ago. I did watch my guys because those are my brothers. I have a lot of relationships with a lot of coaches over there and support what the organization did. I have a lot of respect and still support those guys. But I’m a Texan.”

(on having a lot of talented guys on this defense and how different the vibe is here compared to the Ravens) “It’s different because I’m still kind of growing into the system, even from a practice standpoint. I haven’t been in there with the one’s, though I went in there a couple of times and the guys are look, ‘Oh, oh,’ making noise. It’s still progressing for me. Thank God it’s the season. You go through things and you grow with the guys. Once we get going and they see how I operate, which I kind of think they’ve got a grip on as far as communicating and just being out there. It’s growth process. It’s a growing process that I’m trying to not hold back things. It’s hard, honestly, not to hold back or to say things because this is their locker room. This is their team. I’m one component that’s been added to it, but I came into it wide open, just like they let me in with wide open arms. These guys are great guys, great communicators, willing to do whatever it takes to win and want to win. I saw that from day one and I love that about our team and what we have. I’m not going to hold back my tongue for anything because I’ve never been that player.”

(on defensive coordinator Wade Phillips saying how he would speak up in meetings with suggestions and what makes him comfortable doing that) “I know it’s part of winning. I know Wade needs us just as much as we need him. We need everybody who is part of this organization that helps the football team to be successful. That’s what I learned in the organization that I just left with Baltimore. Everybody had to be involved to get to where we wanted to go in that championship. It’s going to take communication. It’s going to take putting your pride to the side, humbling yourself, as players and as coaches, to communication with your players to be successful. We want a championship. That’s what it takes. It takes putting your pride to the side and being able to communicate with your players no matter who it is to be successful. I can’t stress it enough.”

(on FS Shiloh Keo’s progress and his thoughts on Keo if he’s unable to play) “I love what Keo’s doing. I’m asking him questions because he’s been in this defense. I have the utmost confidence in Keo. Even when I do come back, he’s going to be playing. He’s a person that should play on this team that will be on the field. I have the utmost respect for Keo. I’m in meetings asking him questions, tapping him on the shoulder, getting out of the chair and going to ask him things. I know he would do his job and be what he’s supposed to be.”

(on receiving injections and what his process has been since receiving them) “Those injections, it takes like two weeks to kick in. Two weeks would be Monday, on Monday night. I still kind of feel the injections, the needles. The needles put me to sleep. The needles are this long (gestures to hands) and I had four of them all in the same spot. That’s different than having one shot, like I had last time. It’s a little different feeling for me. It caused a little bit more scar tissue, a little bit more trauma. It kind of slowed me down a little bit as far as the workouts. Once you get the blood flowing a little bit and everything, I’m starting to feel a lot of better. You can see that I kind of stepped back you could say.”

(on what the injections were supposed to do) “The injections basically, in layman’s terms, kind of help speed up the healing process. Take the bad blood out, spin it if I’m not mistaken and put the good blood back in.”

(on if the injections were kind of like taking a half-step back in order to take a couple of steps forward) “Yeah, pretty much. Just kind of speed the process up a little bit. It does cause trauma. It does sit you down for a few days. Most guys in this locker room know, for a few days if you sit down, it takes a little bit of toll on you. It kind of gets you out of your rhythm and it did, but it’s bouncing back well, icing and moving around. I’m still just getting acclimated to the schedule and everything.”

(on people maybe doubting him because of his age and having the surgery and if he welcomes that) “It comes with the territory. That’s the reason you guys are right here right now, to write something good or bad or indifferent. It’s going to happen. It comes with the job. It’s just that. You know, form being in this profession or coming into this profession, you know what you’re getting involved in. I’ve been saying that for a minute, even when it comes to injuries. For the most part, either you have the knowledge or you don’t have the knowledge. You know something about, as far as, injuries, criticism. It’s in most professions. I’ve been criticized from draft day. You know, ‘He’s too small or he’s not big, he’s not fast.’ I still have the article. It comes with job and, at the end of the day, we will see.”

(on where the article was about him being too small when he was drafted) “The article is at my mom’s house.”

(on if the article about him being too small during the draft was in The Baltimore Sun) “No, it was not. It was in The USA Today, if I’m not mistaken.”

(on if he does miss the first game and if there’s a scenario in which he misses the second game as well) “I’m day-to-day. I’m day-to-day. I know my goal is not to miss any of them. I know my prayers are not to miss any of them. We’ll go from there.”

(on if there’s something specific he needs to be able to do before he feels comfortable about playing) “Making it through the whole season. It’s about playing on February 2. I’ve been moving around. You don’t want to have that tightness I’ve talked about weeks back with you guys. You don’t want to have that soreness. I don’t want to rush it, but who knows that time. Only our Father knows that time. I’m taking it in stride. I’ve played with injuries before. I’ve played through injuries before if you guys know the history of my resume. I’ve played through a lot of things. You just want to be smart and you don’t want to hurt the team. That’s the main thing. You want to be able to be effective to where you’re not hurting the team when you get out there and that’s my main thing is that I don’t want to hurt the team.”

(on what it’s been like to be back on the field this week) “It feels so much better when you know you’re out there with the guys, when you’re moving around in the huddle, out of the huddle, being able to get movement without knowing where you’re going to go if you understand that. When I’m on the other field working out by myself, I know that cone is five yards behind me and I know exactly how many steps it’s going to take to get to it without even looking at it. That helps. It helps from a mentality from when you’re on the field and you know you need to get back 10 yards and you peddle in the middle of the field to break on a certain route or whatever. It helps you mentally, but it’s different when you’re on the field looking at (QB) Matt (Schaub) and you know he’s going to go a certain way and he’s going to make a movement, but you can’t predict, you’ve got to wait to react. And that’s football. Football is your reaction and that’s the thing that I tried to do by myself, but you can’t do it. You have to be in the game. It’s good, feels good to be back.”

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