Chargers Training Camp Interview: Shaun Phillips

How does the pass-rush feel this year as opposed to last year?  Does it feel better?
It always feels better when you have two guys like Merriman and English in there, being added into the mix.  And the secondary looks that much better as well.  I would say it's looking good so far, but the real test will be once the games start.

Are you looking forward to handling a little bit more pass-coverage this year?
(laughs) No.  Why would I ever look forward to covering?  I'm a pass-rusher and that's what I do best and the team's going to continue to let me do that.  That's what I do, pass rush.

I only ask because you're very skilled at coverage.
Thank you very much.

You're a Philly native, right?
Yes sir.

Best Cheesesteak: Geno's, Jim's or Pat's?
Uhhh....Jim's.  Actually, to be honest, it's Ishkabibble's which is right across the street from Jim's.  After Ishkabibble's I would have to say Jim's, out of those three.

Ishkabibble's?
Yup.  It's right across the street from Jim's, caddy-corner from Jim's, and it's this small spot and it's amazing.

It's better than Jim's?
I think so. 

Alright, I'm from Philly so I'm going to have to check that out.
There's a spot here that's as good as at home.

Where?
It's on the 78 off of Rancho Sante Fe.  It's called Philly Frank's and it's amazing.  AMAZING.  I'm talking about really good.  They're from Philly, and they ship everything out.  They have water ice....actually, the water ice is just okay, but the cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks are great.

I know that you haven't had a lot of time to practice with Larry English, but I had heard that Coach Rivera was working on a new formation where English and Merriman would be coming off the edge and you were going to be roaming around, trying to get in wherever there was a weakness.  Have you had any time to work on that formation?  Do you think it's going to be a big part of the defense?
I don't know.  We're looking at some type of three-headed monster, kindof like back when we had me, Shawne and (Steve) Foley.  We're looking for that same type of attitude and that same type of intensity.  Whether all three of us are on the field, one of us is on the field, or two of us, I'm pretty sure we're going to be productive and we're going to be successful.  Opposing teams should beware because we're gonna get a one-on-one and there's going to be a mismatch somewhere.

Do you have any thoughts about Bolts From The Blue?  Any tips you want to send our way?  Whenever you have something to say, don't hesitate to e-mail me directly.