Stopping RG3
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III may not be having the success he had his rookie season, but the signal caller is still an obvious threat.
"He can throw the ball and run the ball pretty good," said Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget. "He's a heck of an athlete overall. In the last couple games he's definitely been turning it on. He can run the ball and get out of the pocket a little more now than he was in the first couple games. He's looking good and healthy right now."
As the Chargers prepare for a trip to the Nation's Capital, the emphasis is on stopping an athletic quarterback -- something this defense hasn't had much success with so far this season (Jake Locker and Terrelle Pryor come to mind).
"You have to make sure when you have an opportunity to get [RG3], you have to break down and tackle him," said head coach Mike McCoy. "He's a very athletic quarterback who makes plays with his speed. The great thing he does also is once he gets out of the pocket he makes the big throws downfield. It's a challenge for you as a defensive player to be disciplined and understand that you have to stick to your responsibilities. If you freelance at all, he'll make you pay for it."
It's Not Just RG3 …
The Redskins bring with them a ground game that's improved a great deal in their last three matchups. Washington has an NFL-high 537 yards on 104 carries since returning from their bye in Week Five.
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"They have a heck of an offensive line," said Liuget. "They run the ball to perfection. The way they scheme the defense and stuff, they do a pretty good job. We have to be disciplined."
The Chargers rank 16th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (105.4).
Defensive Dominance
San Diego's defense hasn't allowed a touchdown in 11 straight quarters, a franchise-record tying streak that they know will come to an end at some point … but still, is a nice accomplishment, players said.
"When you're playing good defense, stuff like that is going to happen- whether it is not letting up a 100 yard rusher or not giving up 300 passing yards or whatever it is," said linebacker Jarret Johnson. "Whatever streak of success you have gives you energy, momentum, and it is something to fight for. It's just another incentive to go out there and play good defense.
"Hopefully we'll continue that, but in this league, with so many athletes it's tough to do."
Added Rivers: "[The defense] has been awesome. We've played well together. In the last few weeks, we have been able to get first downs and they have been able to get teams off the field. We're able to wear out the defense and our defense stays fresh. We have fed off each other."
Linebacker Donald Butler did not practice today. Butler, still recovering from a groin injury, has missed the last two games. Wide receiver Eddie Royal also did not practice (foot injury).
