Chargers safety Adrian Phillips was this week's guest on the Backstage: Chargers Podcast, presented by Toyota.
The five-year veteran discussed this Sunday's rematch with the Baltimore Ravens, watching film with fellow rookie safety Derwin James and his NFL journey from undrafted free agent to first-time playoff participant and Pro Bowler. Highlights from the conversation are below:
Phillips on Los Angeles narrowly missing out on the playoffs last season (1:45):
"Unfortunately it didn't work out (last season), but it made us hungrier and we came back and we're 12-4 now and it's a different feeling. Everybody's walking with a pep in their step. It's kind of uncharted territory for a lot of us because we've never been there, but at the same time it's not always about experience. It's like, 'If you want to get the job done, let's do it.'"
On the competitors in the Chargers' locker room (3:55):
"We have a great group of guys. We have so many different personalities; so many different people who came from so many different backgrounds and we just all embrace each other and we love each other and we're all competitors. That's the main thing, we're all competitors. I'm a part of a team, I'm a part of an organization that just competes and it's a great feeling to be a part of and there's no doubt in my mind when we step on that field that that's what we're going to do."
On playing with James (14:30):
"Seeing Derwin grow since he's been here, it's amazing just to see how he came in. He was already a phenomenal player when he came in, and you saw the athletic talent and you saw glimpses of what he could be and then him actually coming to me and being able to say, 'Hey, I want to watch film with you. I'm trying to learn some more stuff. I want to take my game to the next level.' Him actually doing that, it took our relationship to a whole 'nother level. We were already close. DBs are always close, but with him doing that (it) took it to a whole 'nother level. So, actually seeing him go out there game in and game out (and) just ball and be what I think is one of – the best – safety in the whole entire league right now, it's wonderful to see. … He's a pro. You don't find a lot of players like Derwin. I think they come, maybe once in a lifetime."
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