"R.J. Mickens feels as if the blueprint is right in front of him. Across the Chargers locker room, he sees No. 3 and immediately knows of the possibilities."
"[James has been] willing to pour into me and help me get to where he's at and surpass him," said Mickens, who secured his second-career interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. "And he's willing to help me. I'm really willing to go to him."
"During that game, Rodgers threw a pass that seemed destined to drop into the hands of wide receiver Calvin Austin III. Flying through the air, Reed stretched out his left arm toward Austin and recorded his first pass breakup, helping the Chargers hold a nine-point halftime lead en route to a 25-10 victory."
R.J. Mickens has emerged as a leading rookie safety for the Chargers, recording interceptions in recent games against Minnesota and Pittsburgh. Mickens learned from veteran secondary players including Tony Jefferson, Elijah Molden, Donte Jackson and Derwin James Jr., who has mentored him. Undrafted cornerback Nikko Reed earned playing time after injuries and recorded a first pass breakup while defending Aaron Rodgers' pass intended for Calvin Austin III. The Chargers defense has contributed to a three-game winning streak and ranks with an NFL-best 64.5 opponent passer rating under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Practice against elite receivers has aided their development.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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