| The Chargers and QB Philip Rivers are desperate for a rebound after an historic collapse on Monday Night Football against the Broncos. (US Presswire) |
The Chargers (3-3) are desperate for a rebound. With the bye week, the last two weeks have felt like an eternity after San Diego’s historic collapse against the Broncos on Monday Night Football. San Diego is hopeful a young, struggling Browns (1-6) team will provide the much needed win.
The Chargers completed preparations for the Browns with a light practice on Friday. The Chargers must turn the season’s momentum back on their side. Coach Norv Turner is aware what is at stake and has focused his team on intensely studying its opponent.
“It’s a team that we don’t play,” Turner said. “The biggest thing for us is getting to know their personnel along with what they do. Obviously, when you get to put those two things together, you get a feel for how they use their different players.”
The Browns have 16 rookies on their 53-man roster and are led by rookie QB Brandon Weeden. Weeden leads the league with 10 interceptions, but has looked good at times. “I haven’t seen [Weeden] get flustered,” Turner said. “I haven’t seen him make a lot of mistakes. I think they are doing a good job of keeping things sound. They are running the ball, using their play-action and high percentage passes. I just think he has gotten better every game he has played.”
Richardson is one solid rookie: Browns RB Trent Richardson is near the top of his rookie class in several categories; receptions (24), points scored (30), yards from scrimmage (545), first downs (21) and rushing yards (348).
OLB Jarret Johnson sees a veteran style of play in Richardson. “He is as good a rookie as I have played against,” Johnson said. “Great balance and very physical. He runs below pad level. Very few guys tackle him in the open field one-on-one. Usually, it is someone hitting him and slowing him down and then two or three guys bringing him down. We have to rally and gang tackle in order to stop him.”
Richardson only carried the ball eight times for eight yards in the Browns' 17-13 loss to the Colts last week. He entered the game with a rib injury and was pulled after the first half. Richardson was limited in practice throughout this week and is listed as questionable, but most believe he will play.
No ringing endorsement of Alexander: WR Eddie Royal (hamstring) missed practice on Friday and is listed as questionable. WR Danario Alexander was signed on Monday, but Turner fell short of saying Alexander would be active if Royal is unable to play. “We just have to go through that entire process of who we put up if Eddy can’t go,” Turner said. “Again, I am hopeful he can play. We will see where he is.”
Phillips credits teammates: OLB Shaun Phillips leads the team with 4.5 sacks, 11 pressures and six quarterback hits. Phillips made his first Pro Bowl in 2010 when he led the Chargers with 11 sacks. Phillips only had 3.5 sacks last season and played in only 12 games due to a foot injury.
Phillips credits his return to top form to health and his teammates. “It’s a combination of both,” Phillips said. “Throughout my career, I have consistently pass rushed fairly solid here. It’s also a good addition on the team to have other guys who can also get after the quarterback who also make me look good, whether it is the secondary or the defensive line. Everything about defense is a group effort. Any success that I have, I have to give most of the credit to my teammates because it’s them who make me play better.”
Phillips has 64.5 career sacks, fourth in team history. Phillips needs one sack to tie Lee Williams (65.5) for third and he needs 2.5 sacks to tie Garry “Big Hands” Johnson (67) for second.
Injury Report: ILB Jonas Mouton (hip) and Royal (hamstring) missed practice on Friday and are listed as questionable. LT Jared Gaither (groin), C Nick Hardwick (abdomen), DE Vaughn Martin (neck) and CB Shareece Wright (ankle) are probable.
Game preview from a Chargers perspective: Chargers Game Preview vs. Chargers: Analysis, prediction, TV info
Game preview from a Browns perspective: Browns Game Preview vs. Browns: Analysis, prediction, TV info
Follow Chargers reporter Dan McLellan on Twitter @CBSChargers and @sandiegosports