McNeill signed a contract this year that will keep him in San Diego through the 2015 season. He's played in 69 games for the Chargers and consistently is one of the better left tackles in the NFL.
Bill Nussbaum; Hillsborough, N.J.
I've noticed that blocking for running plays has improved this season. Has the O-Line made a conscious decision to focus more effort in that area this year? Has the coaching staff put more of an emphasis on that area or have personnel changes been the difference this year?
It’s been a cooperative effort from everybody. We knew there would be a spotlight on that (aspect) so we wanted to make sure it wouldn’t cause any controversy throughout the season.
Zain Siddiqui; Laguna Niguel, Calif.
How do you feel about
We definitely want to keep it that way. He can keep his rating up if we keep him off the ground, upright and throwing the ball. We take a lot of pride, not only our running game, but keeping Philip Rivers safe.
Sridhar Chowdrapally; Huntsville, Ala.
Philip Rivers is having an MVP-worthy regular season. What is the biggest change you observe in him?
I don’t think there’s been a change. He’s been playing like this since he’s been at the quarterback position. If you check his stats, records, intensity, he’s always had that fire and competitive edge. He’s one of the most prolific passers in the league. The numbers he’s putting up are crazy right now.
Luis Munoz; San Marcos, Calif.
How does it feel to be a Chargers player until 2015?
It feels good. There are so many things the Chargers have going on that add to the excitement, especially in this town. I love it here in Southern California, and the fans are great. The comfort here feels like home.
Deann English; Tacoma, Wash.
What’s your favorite local place to eat in the San Diego area? Do you ever eat at Seau’s and if so what do you order?
Ruth’s Chris. I’ve also been to Seau’s with Junior Seau. It’s a great place to eat and they have some Hawaiian wings that I love. You have to check the menu to get the correct name of them.
Tristan Ethridge; Bartlett, Tenn.
Why do you wear that visor?
I used to wear a dark-colored shield in college. It’s something we used to do in college that made us feel cool. I still do it now (even though) they don’t let us color them anymore. I like the way it makes me look.
Shawn Bengtson; Encinitas, Calif.
You were seemingly introverted during your rookie camp, but now you’re talking and dancing all over the place. Was the NFL a little intimidating and overwhelming at first?
It wasn’t overwhelming for me, but I’m a firm believer that you have to take your place at a certain time. At that time, I was a young guy and I didn’t have a role. A leadership role. I was coming out of college to a new team. I had to learn the system, work my way into things and build people’s trust. Now in Year Five a lot more people have trust in me. That’s the way I think everybody should work when they get into the league. Keep that professional attitude, build your way up and don’t think you’re going to go somewhere and start.
Miguel Lopez; Lemon Grove, Calif.
What is “Mack’s Miracles?”
It’s my foundation I started. It focuses on health and fitness, childhood obesity and education. It’s something that’s very dear to my heart. I have a niece and nephew and one of the things I see in their regiment is that they are eating the right things. When they come home, instead of hitting the books they jump right on the Internet or video games. That’s not the way it was when I was growing up. I think if you take the blueprint that our parents gave us and hand that down to the next generation of kids, it will get us a lot further because technology has really expanded.
Dan Carlton; Ojai, Calif.
What is sweeter, blocking for 50-yard touchdown pass or blocking for a 1-yard touchdown run?
The 1-yard touchdown run because on the 50-yard touchdown pass I never make it to the end zone to celebrate with them. I can’t run with the wide receivers so unless it’s under a 20-yard route, I don’t get to slap five with them. I like to have fun and enjoy the touchdowns and celebrations with the rest of my teammates.
Jay Tanjuan; Jacksonville, Fla.
How do you think your fellow Auburn Tiger, Cam Newton, will fare in the NFL?
I think he’ll be very successful in the league because he has tools. I thing that will be a big factor for him is the situation he gets put in, and whether or not (a team) wants to let his talent flourish. He’s a multidimensional quarterback. He can run the ball and pass the ball. A lot of times when you have a quarterback that can run the ball well, he lacks in the passing. But if you see (Cam Newton) pass the ball, he throws just as well as he runs the ball.
