After spending five seasons with the San Diego Chargers, defensive end Igor Olshansky was let go after 2008 without so much as an attempt at resigning the former second round pick.
Olshansky signed with the Cowboys shortly thereafter, reuniting him with Wade Phillips, who served as San Diego's defensive coordinator from 2004-2006. Sunday will mark the first time either of them face their former team, as the Chargers head into Arlington the owners of a seven-game winning streak.
For Olshansky, the game will provide a golden opportunity.
“I’ve never hit Philip [Rivers] or hit LT really,” Olshansky said, “so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
The game is sure to be an emotional one for both Olshansky and Phillips, who is remembered fondly by the defensive players on San Diego's roster, as well as his replacement, Ron Rivera. “You’re seeing the legacy of what Wade created here,” said Rivera. “It’s attack, attack, attack. He was an aggressive signal-caller.”
Olshansky, contributing somewhat to this love-fest, said that he holds the franchise in high esteem, regardless of the manner of his departure this off-season.
“I don’t know if they think the same about me and what kind of regard they hold me in,” Olshansky continues, “but for me, I hold them in high regard. This is a big game for myself and also Coach Phillips.”
