Q: How important is in-line blocking this week against Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram and the Chargers' pass rush?
RG: It's important every week, but especially this week. I mean, they've got a great D-line. Those two guys on the outside - very talented, very fast, very physical, just great players all around - and in the pass game and run game, we've definitely got to be aware of where they are.Ā
Q: How important is it to go into the bye week with a win?
RG: Oh, yeah. You want to go into a bye week coming off [a win], satisfied with your play knowing that we've got a good win, a good, solid team win, but it's going to be dedication to this Sunday. We've got to come out ready to play. It's going to be a physical game mentally and physically. We've got to be ready. We've got to be prepared. They're a good team. They're on a hot streak right now. We've got to be ready.Ā
Q: How much have you watched Antonio Gates over the years and tried to model your game after his?
RG: Oh yeah, I mean, I've always watched Antonio. I've always been a big fan of his game and the way he just runs routes and gets open, gets the separation - just great to watch. I always liked watching him play.
Q: Are you impressed that Gates has continued to be as productive as he has for so long?
RG: Yeah, for sure. He's on year 15. He must have a nice program over there to last that long.Ā
Q: What are your thoughts on getting that home-field edge back last week with a win in front of your home crowd?
RG: It just feels great. I mean, our fans are great. They've been coming out with the atmosphere and just being super loud rocking the stadium, which is awesome. I don't see why it won't be the same this Sunday.
Q: How different is the game plan for you and how does it affect your role when you're going up against a team that has defensive ends like Bosa and Ingram?
RG: I mean, I wouldn't say it's that much of a difference. I mean, we've been playing a lot of good D-ends this year. There's a lot of good D-ends on every team, so maybe I'll be jamming. I mean, I've been jamming, though, all year, so it's just kind of like the same. I may be just jamming a couple more extra plays this game. I mean, I'm not calling the plays, so I'm not sure, but just be aware of whatever Coach calls.
Q: From a physical standpoint, do you have to prepare differently for a game in which you might be doing more work on the line of scrimmage?
RG: No, I mean, throughout training camp, throughout the last seven games, it's been a grind. I mean, through practice, you're always blocking in line. Through the games, we've been running the ball, so it's just kind of you prepare the same.
Q: When you went back to watch the offensive pass interference call you had last week, what were your thoughts?
RG: What do you think? Yeah, I don't know. Yeah, just keep going. Just keep playing ball.