Chargers News: Late Hit on Justin Herbert Sparks The Team in Division Win
In this story:
Former Charger and current Raiders defensive tackle Jerry Tillery caused quite the stir against his old team this weekend during the Week 4 divisional clash between the two.
Tillery got ejected after he laid a late hit on Bolts QB Justin Herbert in the first half, which caused plenty of Herbert's teammates to go after the defender during and after the game.
"It brings everyone [together]," said right tackle Trey Pipkins III. "Obviously, we protect No. 10 at all costs and seeing everybody with him, that reaction immediately, everybody on the team is on the same page and it kind of brings everybody together."
Pipkins III wasn't the only lineman to voice his support for his passer, and guard Zion Johnson echoed the exact sentiment of protecting his quarterback in more ways than one.
Guard Zion Johnson noted: "I was angry. All of us kind of ran out there because that's our guy, that's our leader. We see how tough he is. He gives it all for us and we're going to do our best to protect him. Cheap shots like that, we're not going to allow it."
Chargers GM Tom Telesco took Tillery in the first round of the 2019 draft, but the former Notre Dame product never panned out in LA.
Herbert's newest defensive tackle knew that Tillery's action might have been an intimidation tactic and took his chance to defend the Chargers' leader in his manner.
Defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day added: "That speaks on our brotherhood here and how tight-knit of a group we are."
A bust in nearly every sense of the word, Tillery's reported locker room issues while with LA certainly reared their ugly head this past Sunday.
The difference this time around? The defensive tackle's actions may finally have contributed to winning football in LA, albeit on the other side.
Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Chargers!
