Charger Chat with Igor Olshansky

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Monday, Apr 02, 2007 , Chargers.com

Dave: Hey Igor, when are we going to see you line up at fullback on the goal line so you can show the Old Dog Lorenzo how it’s done?

Igor: I'd love to play fullback if that's what they wanted me to do, but I doubt I could do the job as well as Lorenzo! I'll stick to stopping running backs instead of trying to be one.

Chargeroo: Hi Igor. How would you feel about a move to nose guard if something made that necessary?

Igor: I would take one for the team if I needed to, but it would be tough. I look at myself as more of a three-technique defensive tackle or a defensive end. Because of my height, I think I'm utilized better when I have a little more space to work with.

LV_BOLT: Do you have any plans to add to your body art this offseason?

Igor: As of right now, I'm done with the tattoos. I may add some touchup down the road.

Waylon138: How well does this team get along? Do you hang out with your teammates after practice, on days off, and during the offseason?

Igor: This atmosphere is like a college atmosphere. Everyone gets along really well. There's great competition in practice and all. I couldn't imagine a better atmosphere amongst professionals. I hang out with Shaun Phillips, Luis Castillo, Jacques Cesaire and Ryon Bingham a lot off the field but I get along with everyone.

Dave: Last year you worked very hard on your first step and speed. Where is your focus going to be this time around?

Igor: I had a knee injury on the third play of the season that set me back from where I was during training camp last year, so I didn’t get to the level I wanted to be. My focus this spring is to get off the ball better next year and be a force in the backfield.

JCDavey: Is there any player in the upcoming draft you're personally hoping the Chargers select?

Igor: That's what A.J. gets paid to do! We'll let him figure that out.

The-Beast: Hello Igor, with all the stunts and slants you lineman run, do you believe this also hinders you guys from getting your hands up to knock down passes?

Igor: There is some validity to that. When you are trying to slant, your focus is not to knock down the ball. You’re thinking about getting where you need to be. I think anticipation of that comes through experience. Look at Jamal WIlliams and how well he does that.

RAWDOGG: Do you live in San Diego during the off season? If so what do you like best about SD?

Igor: I do live in San Diego. I love it here. I train year round and you can't beat the weather here. I like the pace of the city. It's very chill.

Epeekat:Have you been back to the Ukraine since becoming a Charger?

Igor: No, I've been back to Moscow but haven't been back to the Ukraine. I do plan to in the future.

MadForPlaid: Please explain the difference in defensive philosophies if there are any you've noticed so far between Ted Cottrell and Wade Phillips.

Igor: I haven't been through an organized practice with Coach Cottrell, but from what I've heard, we're going to be running the same defense. I really don't expect much to change. When I met Coach Cottrell the day that he was hired, he gave us a couple of the defensive calls and they were exactly the same ones Wade used. As players, we’re really glad that the system isn’t changing much.

Mgmiguel: what does the team think about the new chargers jerseys?

Igor: I haven't gotten to try one on yet, but change is always good and I like them. I think it's cool to have our own identity.

Bubbachuck383: What do you like to do in your free time?

Igor: I love to improve myself as a person and an athlete. I enjoy grabbing dinner and a movie with my wife and just relaxing. I love lying on my hammock.

BoltPride: Super Human Strength!!! I LOVE your game keep it up bro!

Igor: Thanks! It's only going to get better.

Waylon138: What is your max in bench press?

Igor: I've pressed 515 before. I repped 190 lb. dumbbells today for six reps.

AlworthFan: What can us fans do to help the Chargers make it to the Super Bowl?

Igor (A) Have a routine when to create noise and not to create noise at home games. Stay consistent with that. The most consistent fans I've ever seen are the Indy fans at Colts games. Those guys are trained. You guys did a good job last year and you saw how much it helped.

Epeekat: What's harder to prepare for, loud fans or bad weather?

Igor: Offensively the crowd noise plays a big role but playing in Cleveland in the snow a couple years ago was no piece of cake. The Gatorade froze and we had to drink chicken broth on the sideline.

timmy11: How have the conditioning practices been going?

Igor: They've been great. It's a really good program and it's going to help us this season. It’s been awesome to see so many guys showing up to workout together.

Sanitation_Man: Who's the toughest tackle you've played against and why?

Igor: I'd say Walter Jones for pass blocking and Jonathan Ogden in the run game. Jones has the best feet and Ogden uses his size really well, especially on down blocks.

JUSTUS: Igor...Who is the funniest guy on the team? Who really likes to keep it loose?

Igor: We have so many characters it's hard to say. Three names that pop in my head are Stephen Cooper, Jamal Williams and Ryon Bingham.

The-Beast: Who got more props during film session, you for the hit on Clinton Portis in 05 or Jamal for running over Larry Johnson?

Igor: I'd have to say Jamal. I've never seen anyone consistently take on the double team as well as Jamal. Then he lights up backs, too.

Ealvarado: Good afternoon Igor. I hope the offseason has treated you well. My question for you is what is a typical day for you before the game?

Igor (A) I try to eat a lot of carbs before the game and make sure I'm properly hydrated. I like to be relaxed and focused before I hit the field. I've learned that getting too hyped wastes energy. I don't really have a routine but I'm not against it.

Dave: When you stop and look up at the stands in the "Q", what thoughts do you have?

Igor: I just think how lucky I am to have the opportunity to play what I think is the greatest sport ever in front of more than 60,000 people. It's a feeling that consumes my body.

AlworthFan: Is there one particular opponent you're looking forward to this season?

Igor: I'm looking forward to playing the Vikings because of Steve Hutchinson. He's supposedly one of the best offensive linemen in the league and I can't wait to see what he's got.

619MINUS17: Who's your closest friend on the squad?

Igor: Shaun Phillips. We have a lot in common.

MikeSD63: Can you make out the IGOR chants throughout the stadium when you make a big play?

Igor: Definitely! I really appreciate them. Hopefully I’ll give you guys more and more reasons to chant.

Bolt_Bob: With the apparent loss of two starting inside linebackers, what can you tell us about the guys who are ready and waiting to fill those roles--Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm, Tim Dobbins, etc.?

Igor: I think all three of those guys are young and talented. Cooper is a very vocal linebacker who has a great nose for the ball. Matt Wilhelm is one of the best athletes on the team. I call Tim Dobbins the hammer because that boy brings it every play. He can hit!

Bubbachuck383: What were your first thoughts after you found out that you were drafted by the Chargers?

Igor: I was happy to stay in California. I was excited to help the Chargers and make a new home in San Diego.

619MINUS17: What area of your game do you feel you could improve upon the most?

Igor: Anticipation of the snap count and capitalizing on opportunities.

Epeekat: Junior Seau used to pride himself on being the first one to the weight room. Who's the first guy to get to the weight room now?

Igor: I seems like there's a general work ethic with everyone. We have many workout warriors. Eric Parker, Darren Sproles, Cromartie....I could go on and on.

Dave: Did you get a kick out of Coach Cottrell mentioning having met you at his "old job" during his initial press conference here?

Igor: I appreciated him fining Tom Nalen two and a half times more than my fine. Coach Cottrell and I are going to get along great.

Igor: Hey guys, I've got to run. Thanks so much for joining us. Let's do it again.

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