Steve McNair
1. On the Chargers’ defense: “I think they are active defensively. We just have to get a grip on them early and they are going to mainly put pressure on the quarterback to force mistakes and turnovers. I think it’s all about rhythm this week. Five or three steps: hit, throw, pitch and catch.
"That’s something we can do offensively a lot better than we have in the last two or three weeks. We’ll do max-protect. We have to execute better than we have in the past three weeks and this is a good week to start because of the aggressiveness they showed on their defense."
2. On the win in Cleveland: “It’s a great confidence-booster because that’s a building block for us that we can go out, learn from it and know that we can do it. I’m very comfortable with those guys and we just have to get consistent and play that way for four quarters.
"Last week was a prime example. We sputtered for three quarters and all of a sudden we had to go down and get some yardage and in a position to win the ball game, and we did that. I’m very proud of that."
3. On the game-winning drive: “I have been in situations like that for a long time, and I think what those guys realize and what we realized Sunday is that, regardless of what the score is and regardless of what time is left on the clock, if we set our minds right and take it one play at a time, we can get the job done.
"Those guys believed in it and they believed in me and I believed in them and that’s all that matters. Once we get that confidence down, we can do it every time."
Marty Schottenheimer
1. On what keeps him energized: “I love the teaching and the interaction with the players. That, to me, has always been the thing that I have enjoyed the most. It’s still my ambition, my goal.
"Obviously, this is a competitive business and you know you won’t succeed all the time. It’s fun to continue to pursue lofty goals in my view. I just turned 63 a few days ago, too."
2. On comparisons between Shawne Merriman and Ray Lewis: “The No. 1 similarity that I see is the great energy and playmaking that they bring to what they do. While they play different positions, they both have excellent instincts for football. That part of it comes naturally to them.
"I would hope as Shawne continues to develop that he would have the measure of success that Ray has had. I have always admired Ray Lewis because of his leadership ability even as much as his playing skills. Shawne has that leadership ability and has brought it out from time to time with our football team."
3. On comparing Philip Rivers to former Browns QB Bernie Kosar: "Bernie was a terrific quarterback. I see similarities in some ways with regard to him and Philip. Very bright with a terrific, natural instinct for the game, the ability to lead with a passion. Those similarities, I think, exist there."
