Below are three takeaways from Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, safety Derwin James, Jr., outside linebacker Joey Bosa and others following the Wednesday's media availability.
Home away from home
The Chargers are now more than halfway through their 10-day road trip that includes spending the majority of the time in Charlotte.
And with Wednesday marking the beginning of the so-called work week for most teams around the NFL, the Bolts have kept their routine and schedule as normal as possible while being nearly 2,500 miles from home.
"It's been about as close as you can get," Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said Wednesday. "The staff has done an amazing job, video, everything, equipment. It feels like we're at The Bolt.
"What it's felt like the last three days is just being hunkered down right here and over at UNC Charlotte, we're very much appreciative of them of letting us use their facilities," Harbaugh added.
The Chargers are practicing at UNC Charlotte, which is about a 20-minute bus ride from the team hotel.
Players said Wednesday that they have enjoyed the road trip as it has allowed the 2-0 Chargers the chance to both bond and get locked in for Sunday's Week 3 showdown in Pittsburgh.
"It's definitely different," tight end Hayden Hurst said. "I've never done two weeks in one place for a road trip, but you definitely get to focus on football and I think that's what Harbs wants us to do, just be totally engulfed in football and we have been."
Derwin James, Jr. added: "We're getting a lot of team bonding. Just being able to see each other in the meal room, as we're passing through the hallways, it's different than being at your own house. You actually see the guys all day throughout the day after meetings. It's just cool being able to bond more. It feels like a training camp vibe."
James was joined by his three-year-old son, Derwin James III, at the podium after practice Wednesday.
The Bolts Pro Bowl safety lit up when expressing his excitement about being able to spend time with 'Trey' while on the road.
"Harbaugh believes in family and he's one of the coaches that just preach family, you see it every day, just what we're able to do with our family around here," James said. "They feel like they're included in everything we do. It's a good feeling for us as players."
Joey Bosa noted how the team enjoyed Sunday's win over Carolina but have shifted their mindset to make it a 2-0 road trip by Sunday night.
"It's been good. Obviously, Sunday was fun," Bosa said. "Had a nice dinner with the boys after the win, always a good time.
"Just trying to get the most out of it, the hours off our body flying-wise. Just trying to enjoy the time… it's been nice, they've been taking care of us," Bosa added. "Food is good, everything's good. They're doing everything they can to make it the best stay possible. It'll be over in a couple days and we'll be back home. It's been enjoyable."
High respect for Tomlin
One of the most intriguing headlines of Sunday's matchup in Pittsburgh won't even be on the field of play — but on the sideline.
With Harbaugh and Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, Week 3 features teams led by two of the best head coaches in the NFL.
Harbaugh had nothing but high marks for Tomlin on Wednesday ahead of this week's game.
"The toughness, the grit. Competing against a Mike Tomlin team, it just pulls it out of you, the competition," Harbaugh said. "Nothing but respect, tremendous football coach."
Both teams enter the contest at 2-0, as Tomlin is now in his 18th season as the Steelers Head Coach and has never had a losing season in Pittsburgh.
The two coaches have been on opposing sidelines just once before in late 2011, Harbaugh's first year as the 49ers Head Coach. It was a game in which the now-Chargers Head Coach was able to get the win at home in San Francisco.
The team knows they have a big battle in front of them, as Harbaugh mentioned earlier in the week this will be a game they'll be able to "find out what we're made of."
"I think our team knows that," Harbaugh said. "Everyone is aware that the Steelers were in the playoffs last year and this is out first time playing a team that was in the playoffs last year."
Many current Chargers have gone against the Mike Tomlin-coached Steelers, including the number of former Ravens who played under Harbaugh's brother, John.
That includes Hurst, who has played against the Steelers five times in his career, including twice in Pittsburgh.
Hurst knows what to expect from a Mike Tomlin-led team and is ready for the challenge on Sunday.
"Creative defense, fast defense and physical defense," tight end Hayden Hurst said. "I think that's what he wants to be, I think that's what the Pittsburgh Steelers want to be.
"They've got multiple fronts, they'll change it up on you if something's not working, they'll dive in their bag and stuff and pull something out," Hurst added. "Whatever they need to do to stop the run game. Be physical, that's what they want to do, that's their brand."
Reconnecting with old friends
The Chargers stay in Charlotte has given Harbaugh the chance to reconnect with another of his former Michigan staffers.
Biff Poggi is the Head Coach of UNC Charlotte's football team, where the Bolts have been able to practice and use the weight room during their time in Charlotte.
"Saw Biff yesterday, had a really nice visit," Harbaugh said. "Just good to see my old friend."
Poggi spent two seasons as an associate head football coach at Michigan under Harbaugh before becoming Charlotte's Head Coach in late 2022. He was also on the Wolverines staff in 2016.
Harbaugh described the type of person Poggi is, pointing to what he's done off the field as some of the best examples of how much he cares.
"Football guy. Probably personifies being a football guy in my mind," Harbaugh said about Poggi. "The extra benefit with Biff is he's a person that truly extends himself for other people.
"I mean, let's face it, the guy is close to a billionaire but coaching high school football or him and his wife, what they do in the community, raising young people to be their best selves," Harbaugh continued. "There's nobody better at it than Biff. Providing scholarships, providing opportunities. Biff cares.
"He's one of those people that gives back, helps others," Harbaugh added. "I have the upmost respect for Biff Poggi."
Poggi and his Charlotte team are also in the midst of preparation this week as they will travel to face Indiana on Saturday.
While the reunion was brief, Harbaugh was glad to see an old friend during his stay.
"He's attacking it like he always does," Harbaugh said. "Had time for a short visit yesterday, but he was ripping and running, just got off the practice field with his team and he was onto game planning for Indiana.
"We're doing the same getting ready for the Steelers," Harbaugh added. "But just that 10 minutes we got to spend was great."
