The Chargers have a number of players making an impact in their first year in powder blue.
Poona Ford might stand alone at the top of that list.
The veteran defensive lineman has been a key figure on the interior of the impressive Bolts defensive line, leading the group in snaps and already tying his career-high with 3.0 sacks while notching his first career interception.
Chargers.com recently caught up with Ford ahead of Week 15 on his career year and the play of the defensive line.
Here's our 1-on-1 conversation with Ford:
Thank you for your time, Poona. How would you describe your first year in LA?
"I've been enjoying myself. It's probably one of the places I never thought I would end up. There's a lot to do, still trying to get the hang of it but I'm enjoying myself."
You're having a career season so far here with the Bolts. Playing as well as you have against the run and the pass, is it just a product of everything coming together? Or was it something you really worked on during the offseason?
"Just getting the reps, to be honest. Just getting the reps, being able to make the plays that I know that I can make. It's just getting the reps and being able to do what I know I can do."
Going back to the offseason when you signed with the Chargers, is this kind of what you envisioned it could be like here?
"At first I thought it was kind of my mindset to just re-establish myself in a way. We go through OTAs, training camp and stuff like that, and it's always a bigger end game. You come together with the guys on the team, those guys become your brothers. It's just like a bigger end game, bigger picture."
How much was Jim Harbaugh a draw in coming here?
"I mean I knew he was a great coach, I know he was in the NFL prior and stuff like that. Just getting the opportunity to play under one of the best coaches in the league, it's a really great opportunity."
Has there been anything that's surprised you about him?
"I didn't know he was going to be that funny [laughs]. He's hilarious."
Working with Jesse Minter and his defense, what about it has let you guys have the success you have had this season?
"I feel like he's a mastermind. He's an evil scientist in a way. He does a good job of giving us everything, all the coaches really, of giving us everything we need to know throughout the week, what to study and look for. We just practice that all week and it's just been translating to the games."
Coming into the year, the defensive line room was one that coaches around the team were excited about. What mindset has allowed the group to thrive?
"Everybody has a standard that they set for themselves, and that's just the standard we try to be at day-in and day-out, even on Sundays."
What's the dynamic in the room like? You and Morgan Fox are veterans, but a lot of other guys maybe had limited playing time before this season.
"I feel like we got a good group of guys that just want to get better. That's all you can ever ask for in this league, guys who are going to listen and take coaching. That's what we have in our room. We know how to have fun as well. It is business, but you've got to have fun doing it. I've always kind of been a lead by example [guy]. [Morgan] Fox, he's the more vocal leader. I leave that stuff to him."
You've been a part of playoff teams before. What do you tell some of the younger players about this part of the season as the playoff push ramps up?
"I've brought it up. Just about you want to keep elevating your game as the season goes on so when you get to the end of the season, you're playing mistake-free ball and by the time you get to the playoffs, you're able to hit the ground running."
Looking big picture, the defense has been a strong suit of the team this year. What's the message around the team about the importance of finishing strong this season?
"Just keep preparing [the same]. Preparation is just as important as the game. And recovery, you're going to need your body. To go on that run, you need your body to be able to withstand it. That's just what I say."
