Head Coach Mike Smith
Q: Are the Chargers one of the best 4-7 teams in the league?
“I think they are without a doubt the best 4-7 team in the league. They’ve had some tough defeats and four of their seven defeats have come in the last 20 seconds. They are very talented on both sides of the football.”
Q: How tough is it to lose Ben Hartsock at this juncture of the season?
“It’s going to be tough to replace Ben. He’s done a very nice job in blocking and he’s an integral part of our running game. We’re very fortunate to be able to add Jason Rader back to the team. He is very familiar with our system and he was with us through training camp and different parts of the season. It’s a difficult loss, but we were able to add Jason so that’s a positive as well.”
Q: Can you talk about the contract extension for Michael Jenkins.
“Anytime you can sign your own players back, it’s a positive. Jenkins and (Jonathan Babineaux) are team players and they are guys who you want around. We are excited about that."
Q: Are you excited that Harry Douglas got some recognition for his performance on Sunday?
“I’m very please not only for Harry, but for the entire special teams unit. Harry did a great job and I think he’s maturing quite well as a returner. Our guys have been challenged in terms of the return game, especially punt returns, and they have done a nice job. It’s great for Harry, but it’s also great for the guys who are out there blocking for him.”
Q: Although LaDainian Tomlinson has not had the same statistical success this season, do you still think he’s a capable running back?
“I think he’s having a very good year. In years past where he’s basically been Superman, he’s had 1,000-yard seasons. He and Michael (Turner) both have close to the exact number of yards from scrimmage at this point. Tomlinson has 39 catches where Michael only has four.”
Q: Is Michael Turner fired up to go against his old team?
“I don’t think he’s approached it any differently. Michael is very even keeled and he’s been consistent with how he’s prepared all year long. I know it’s going to be fun for him to play against some old guys that he was friends with. It’s going to be a hard-fought battle.”
Q: What does it say that all of the new head coaches in the league have winning records?
“I know that the guys you are talking about were all outstanding assistant coaches and did a great job with their respective teams. Their teams are playing well and have responded well. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that those guys are having success. The success they are having now is similar to the success they had as assistants.”
Q: What have you found in your first year as a head coach that can help turn a team around?
“The big thing is that you have to be yourself. Everyone has their own style and the way that they do business, and that is very important. I don’t think there is a mold to say who a head coach should be. This group of four new head coaches all come from different backgrounds. It basically says that there is no mold needed to be a successful coach.”
Q: What are you thankful for this year?
“I am thankful for my health and my family’s health. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to work with these men. They are a great group of men, not only on the football field, but out in the community. I think the folks in Atlanta can be proud of this football team.”
