Igor Olshansky lives large with 14-2 San Diego

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Jan 12, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

JONATHAN DANIEL/GETTY IMAGES

Former Duck Igor Olshansky lays a hit on Chicago QB Rex Grossman earlier this season.

Known for his big muscles, San Diego defensive lineman Igor Olshansky says he hasn’t necessarily gotten stronger in his first three years in the NFL than he was at the University of Oregon. He’s working more on the wily part.

Oh, but the big Ukrainian still struts around letting everybody know he’s one of the baddest men on the Chargers. He does an early-morning segment called “Mr. Super-Human Strength” for a San Diego radio station. The nickname is a running joke, apparently.

Olshansky also has added many tattoos since he left the Ducks after the 2003 Sun Bowl. He has designs covering his arms, shoulders and back.

The Chargers play host to the New England Patriots at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Olshansky’s main job will be to control running backs Corey Dillon and Lawrence Maroney, while leaving the harassing of QB Tom Brady up to NFL sack leader Shawne Merriman.

It has been a good third year for Olshansky. Some in the Charger organization anticipated an All-Pro year from the 6-6, 310-pound tackle. But a midseason right knee injury — strained medial collateral ligament, damaged meniscus — kept him out nearly four games and required surgery in October. He has recovered, and his most consistent game came against Seattle in Week 16.

“I’m good to go. It’s playoff time,” he says. “I’m glad we’re winning and have the top-rated defense and are in ‘the show.’ ”

It has been a wonderful year for the Chargers (14-2).

“We have great character guys, coaches and everything,” Olshansky says. “The plan from the get-go was to take it all the way. We know we have a lot of playmakers and character guys — guys who don’t make mistakes.”

Olshansky doesn’t play much on third downs — passing situations, where linebacker Merriman excels.

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