AFC Notes: Chargers, Raiders, Texans

Chargers

• Chargers HC Anthony Lynn was asked about rookie QB Justin Herbert‘s strong performance after the game: “I thought he played well, but we lost the game. Anytime we lose a game, it’s not good enough, so I can’t say someone played outstanding and we go out and lose the damn football game.” (Gilbert Manzano)
• Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians said he praised Herbert to Lynn after the game: “I told Anthony after the game ‘you’ve got a great one.’ That retreating play, that looked like Mahomes where we had an all-out blitz and he just kept retreating and threw a dime down the field. For rookies to make plays like that, you know they’re special.” (Terez A. Paylor)
• As for Herbert being the starter over Tyrod Taylor, Lynn said: “I can’t answer that right now. My mind is still on this game.” (Gilbert Manzano)
• Lynn said of the injury to RB Austin Ekeler: “I’m not sure how bad it is, but it looked pretty bad.” (Gilbert Manzano)

Raiders

• CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora writes that as repeat offenders the Raiders are very likely looking at the loss of a draft pick for HC Jon Gruden‘s fine for not wearing his mask on the sideline and the team’s fine for allowing a non-essential visitor into the locker room. 

Texans

• Texans HC Bill O’Brien explained that there wasn’t much out of the norm in terms of play-calling on Sunday, despite the report that O’Brien was going to be more involved: “I gave the play into Deshaun. … There was no difference in how we were doing things the whole year, other than that.” (Aaron Reiss)
• O’Brien singled out their lack of a running game as part of the reason for their offensive struggles: “We’ve got to find a running game, a consistent running game. Our red area (offense) was terrible today.” (Aaron Wilson)