Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn on Texans QB Deshaun Watson: "That quarterback is insane. There's nothing that he can't do. It's going to be a tough challenge this weekend, but we're looking forward to it. He has the ability to escape, extend plays. He can beat you with his legs. He can beat you with his arm. He's an outstanding young quarterback."
Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley on Watson: "He's a dual-threat guy. His ability — let's just start with the run. He's always a threat to run the ball. You have to account for him in the run game. In the passing game, he has some of the components of a really good quarterback in our mind as a defense — timing, accuracy, decision making. He has those things. The accuracy on deep balls, on intermediate routes and he has great trust in the receiving corps. He truly is a dual-threat.
Chargers QB Philip Rivers on Watson: "I think he's a heck of a player. Obviously, he can certainly run around and make plays with his legs, but shoot — he's a good passer. He stands in that pocket, holds onto it as long as he can and delivers. He's tough. He has taken a lot of hits, but stands in there and throws it. It's so early in his career, but he's off to a heck of a start."
Lynn on the Texans' run game: Carlos Hyde, that kid looks terrific. He's averaging over five yards-per-carry, I believe. Their rushing attack right now looks good with Duke Johnson in the backfield. [His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield] can be a challenge. I like the matchups that we have at our linebacker position. We have guys that can run. Duke is a pretty good third down back."
Bradley on the Texans' run game: "Scheme-wise and what they're doing is pretty challenging. When you look at explosive plays — how we categorize an explosive play is 12-plus [yards] in the run and 16-plus [yards] in the pass. I think they're at 17 this year — at eight run and nine pass. Usually you don't see that. Usually, you see a lot more passes than runs as far as explosive plays. They're a pretty balanced team throughout. You see that even in explosive plays."
Bradley on Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins: "Well, I wish we had 12 [defenders]. That has come up a couple of times in our meetings when we were game planning. He's a guy that, again, is a threat at every level. He's going to make his plays. I think the big part of it is tackling in space. He's a physical wide receiver, too. Teams will try to press him and he does a really good job against that."
Lynn on Texans OLB Whitney Mercilus: Mercilus has stepped in and is doing an outstanding job. He's becoming a more proven pass rusher in this league. [Mercilus] is wrecking the game a little bit. You definitely have to watch him."
Rivers on the Texans' defensive front: "It's a good front. I feel like last week, too, their strength was their front — against Detroit. It's somewhat similar in some ways in their front structure — though not necessarily exactly. You mention J.J. Watt. Shoot, they have others, too, that are solid. It's a good front, a good defense. We'll have our work cut out for us."
What else are the Chargers saying about the Texans?
Houston Texans take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium for the second game of the 2019 NFL season.
