Chargers Defensive End Joey Bosa
The Oakland Raiders will square off in a divisional showdown against the rival San Diego Chargers Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium. The Silver and Black got the best of the Bolts in their first matchup this season, winning the Week 5 matchup 34-31, but both teams were physical throughout the game, and this weekend should feature a similar battle. The Raiders will be tasked with disrupting a Chargers offense that ranks 6th in passing yards per game (262.8) under the leadership of veteran quarterback Philip Rivers.
Heading into the face off, here's a look at what the opponents are saying.
**Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy
**
McCoy broke down Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and praised his production this season.
"Well, I think Derek's [Carr] had a phenomenal year and it doesn't shock me one bit the way he's played. I've known him for a long time having coached his brother and he was down in Spartanburg with us for training camp. The weapons that he's throwing to, he's got a talented supporting cast and I think their line has done an outstanding job this year. They've got good balance, the way they're running the football and having worked with [Head Coach] Jack [Del Rio] and [offensive coordinator] Billy Musgrave brought me into this profession, so they're very well coached and their passing game they've done an outstanding job with it this year."
He also shared his thoughts on Pro Bowl defensive end Khalil Mack.
"Well, he's one of the best in the business. I mean, Khalil's done a phenomenal job of getting after quarterbacks, the way he's ended some games and that's what the great ones do."
Defensive End Joey Bosa
The Ohio State-product discussed facing the Raiders offensive line and the challenges they present.
"Yeah, probably the biggest group we faced, well, is the biggest group we faced this year; tough group. They'll maul you off the ball if you're not playing good technique and you're not playing fundamentally sound. I think we just have to come into this game and attack it the same way we did in Week 5."
Bosa commented on Mack's style of play and what makes him sure a standout athlete.
"He's just a freak of nature, just so quick and twitchy the way he moves. I think we're pretty different players when it comes to our pass rushing technique and how we go about it. I always love watching other great players. Of course any little thing I can pick up off his game is good."
Wide Receiver Isaiah Burse
Burse reflected on playing with Carr at Fresno State and No. 4's ability as a signal-caller.
"He made my job easy, it's always good playing with an advanced quarterback. He's doing a great job in the NFL right now and I wouldn't be surprised if he messed around and won the MVP. We've got to put pressure on him and force him out of the pocket because we've seen him pick a part defenses if he has time."
Defensive Coordinator John Pagano
Pagano spoke about Carr's development and how he's able to take what the defense gives him.
"You see the intelligence picking up even more of how he manages the game, how they run the football, the things they do in the passing game off the play action passes. Protects the football as well as a quarterback can protect it, five interceptions, doesn't throw it up a lot. He throws it only where his receivers can catch it and he's got great touch."
He talked about the Raiders offensive line and its success under offensive line coach Mike Tice.
"I think they're really good, I think they're maulers up front, I think they're nasty. [Offensive line] Coach [Mike] Tice has done a heck of a job with those guys and they're physical. They don't give up sacks, the quarterback might get them out of trouble sometimes, but I showed many clips this week of them stonewalling the defense. They're hard to get to and [the quarterback] has only been sacked 13 times this year."
