Thursday, September 18, 2014

Chargers Hot and Off to Buffalo


America's finest city is still buzzing after taking down the World Champs on an extremely hot, white and humid San Diego day at the Q, Chargers travel just under 5 hours with a 3 hour time difference to an unbeaten Bills team, a new baby born game day and an AFC weekly player crowned. Yes, despite all the predictions Bolts played keep a way from the Hawks and took 42 minutes of the game to a victory at the Q, where the temperature on the field reached 120, not to mention the humidity, which seemed to just invigorate the Bolts. Historically these seem to be the games the Chargers win, the ones, no one thinks they can.  By the way, at what temperature does a game become too dangerous to play in? Anyone?
After a rough start with the #MNF opener in AZ, a sea of white-hot Chargers fans welcomed Seattle with the team on the field winning all phases of the ball Sunday, even with out some key players, with Hardwick out for the season, Flowers hamstring and Jarred Johnson wife going into labor in the wee hours on Sunday, Bolts didn't miss a beat! Congratulations to Anna and Jarred Johnson on the birth of their second daughter Grace Anne. Quick notes on the game, a few missed flags, missed calls however, Chargers beat down while keeping possession 42 minutes 13 seconds,  along with 75 plays over Seattle's 30, it was hot and a Chargers white out at the Q. Rivers to Gates repeated not once, not twice, but three times in the end zone, the last one a phenomenal one handed catch clad by 2 Hawks, 7 receptions for 97 yards and 3 TD's.   Granting Antonio Gates with the AFC player of the week, #Rivers2Gates has a nice sound to it, especially if you’re a Bolts fan.  Chargers dominate Seahawks 30-21 and will fly northeast with a 1-1 record.

8 plays was the longest drive the Hawks had, this is a double edge sword in some ways though, amidst the heat where all wanting a turbin, Chargers defense were unable to stop Turbin. However, they controlled the ball for 42 minutes vs. one of the best defenses, Richard Sherman was an obsolete issue. Rivers was awing, taking hits and scrambling making plays happen all day, while tearing apart the Seattle defense, all the while rocking a 61 on his helmet for long time buddy and center, Nick Hardwick. He ran and threw over them, was 28/37 for 284 yards and one TD.
  A few glitches, 3 times inside the redzone, chargers had holding calls, Ryan Matthews two fumbles that were recovered by the blue and gold, but brought upon one more injury, MCL along with more of the same issues, loosing the ball.  Actually in the stats he wasn't given credit for both?  I have had my doubts about his health and loose hands, but I don't with Donald Brown and Danny Woodhead.  That being said, one glaring statistic is the 3rd rusher on the team is Phillip Rivers, not known for his speed either.  With a total of 101 rushing yards a Sunday, 17 of those belong to Phillip.  Rivers locker room post victory, referring to all the media hating on Sunday Morning Countdown, always saying the Chargers aint got a chance, he finished with,

"We always got a chance!! Always gotta chance!!

Chargers on three!

CHHHHHAAAAARRRGERS!!!!"

#SDvsBUF

SDvsBUFsq Off to Buffalo, seen as one of the big surprises around the league, the Bills seem to have some magic going on. After a torrent of issues in the off season; the loss of Ralph C. Wilson, who founded them in 1959 (not just a loss for Buffalo but for the entire league), the diagnosis of all time great HOF Jim Kelly, the threat of the Bills being moved by interested buyer Bon Jovi to Toronto and even into the pre-season with doubts for the first string QB, EJ Manual. Buffalo has a new or a re-found enchantment which is filled with tradition, pride and an undefeated record. Jim Kelly announced he was cancer free, local billionaire Terry Pegula and family purchased the Bills along with keeping the team in Buffalo, Andre Reed inducted in the HOF and EJ Manuel finding his rhythm, (after some pre-season panicking and after picking up Kyle Orton for $5M), last week he showed everyone 32/48 for 375 yards, one INT and a rating of 95.4.  Add 2 phenom backs, Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller, who also had a 102 kick return in their 29-10 pummeling of Miami. Oh and don't forget their number one draft pick, Sammy Watkins, who did participate in practice Thursday and former Trojan, Robert Woods (did not participate Thursday). Defense was plus 4 on turnovers as well, remember they also beat the Bears in Chicago, who just went to SF and beat the Niners. This will be a dangerously passionate game.  Chargers will need to be able to run the ball and stop the run, two things they have struggled with, (ranked 27rd in the league for the run at 76.5 yards). Working as a team, a family on the field has not been one of their issues, but a blessing, as they have a family in the realest sense. Kick off is at 1:00 PM EST, or 10:00 AM for PST, it's a morning game for Chargers.  

Statistically speaking

Head to head last 2 of 3 have gone to the Chargers;  
12/11/11        SD 37 BUF10
10/19 08         SD 14 BUF 23
12/3/06           SD 24 BUF 21

OFFENSE
SD 19th          BUF 17th       
DEF
SD 18th          BUF 21st                   
PASSING
SD 8th             BUF 26th    
RUSHING
SD 27th         BUF 7th         
Note worthy on the Injury report as of ThursdayFlowers,  Freeney, Luiget and Davis;  FP, full participation.  However; Ohrnberger, back (who is in for Hardwick), Attaochu (hamstring) , Troutman (back), Ingram (hamstring) and of course Matthews (knee) DNP = did not participate in practice.  Chargers OC, Frank Reich very familiar with Ralph C. Wilson Field, as still the longest back up tenure to Jim Kelly, let me refresh your memory, 1998,coined "the comeback" Kelly suffered a strained ligament in his knee. Reich finished and led the upset, then taking them to the AFC Championship game vs. Miami.

One more bit of specialness, Junior Seau was nominated to the Hall of Fame, earlier this week.

Dynamite game wishes to the Chargers, should be a good one!! Sending dynamite football week wishes to you all!

 Cheers, till next week!
 Desiree
 You can follow me on insta or twitter @desiree_astorga

First Downs and Flip Tricks 
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The Desiree Show
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder

Friday, September 5, 2014

Chargers to Kick Off on MNF



Final cuts, flip-flops and a Monday Night Football opener, just a few things going on in San Diego this week.  Same team different state, Bolts fly to Phoenix for the NFL 2014 Monday Night Football opener. Yes, they just hosted the Cardinals August 28th, edging over them in the final fourth pre season game 12-9, Chargers, but it was the battle of the two's, three's and four's to make the squad, so let's start with who made the cut to the 53 man roster ,  for a keener look here's the depth chart.  Congrats to undrafted free agent from University of Buffallo, Brandon Oliver, yes number 43, taking a spot after impressing all.

700 plus players released collectively all over the league on Saturday, 300 will get work on practice squads or have already, which will be a revolving door for the first 3 weeks.  Chargers practice squad announced, with three little pops actually four, one sixth round pick, Marion Grice had a crazy 48 hours, made the roster Saturday, was released and then signed to the practice squad Tuesday. Two, newly released Cardinal and former Aztec, Ryan Lindley was signed to the practice squad, with heaps of media questioning the match up just ahead.
Coach McCoy was adamant in interviews indicating that there is no connection,"We didn't make the choice because we're playing AZ, you can highlight it, bold it or underline it!"
Third, shortly after being released former Chargers and Stanford, Thomas Keiser joins a new Cardinal in Phoenix.  Fourth, Chargers 2011 3rd round draft pick Vincent Brown was released, however it is side noted, per www.Chargers.com,  It is important to note that Vincent Brown was waived-injured, and should he clear waivers will be placed on the reserve-injured list.
Tom Tellesco on Darren Smith Show on Wednesday spoke on difficulty in picking the WR's
"Tough decision and we have a lot of respect for Vincent and how he played for us……."                                                         When asked was it more about what Inman and Tutu did or what Vincent didn't do, he replied, "More about what the two (Inman and Ajiritutu) did…."

MNF

#FBF #FLASHBACKFRIDAY I can't not but think of Michaels and Madden, which sadly is no longer the MNF I grew to love!
AlMichaels&JohnMadden
#FBF #MNF Madden & Michaels
Granted I think Cris Collingsworth has done an amazing job, but that moved to Sundays. Still Monday Night Football sets the stage for the entire world, the only game going on, hence all the attention as ESPN's crew Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters hold it down with an entire studio slew of former player, commentators Chris Berman, Stuart Scott, Mike Ditka, Keyshawn Johnson, Cris Carter, Tom Jackson, Steve Young, Trent Dilfer and Ray Lewis.  If your a Chargers player or fan, this ideally will be the first stadium of the season and the last one, as University of Phoenix is the home for Super Bowl 49.  Chargers hold the all-time record over the Cards 9-3, however Arizona comes in as the 3 point favorite for Monday.
Familiarity from week to week with also former Chargers and Jet, Antonio Cromartie and one of the best run stops in the NFL last season.  Chargers secondary will need to watch out for Cardinals 2nd pick in the 3rd round, WR John Brown, Pittsburg State, At the 2014 NFL Combine, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds, which ranked as the third-fastest time of any player at the event.
 “With this long and then playing Monday night, that’s always the challenge as coaches (to) just keep it simple and stay to the basics,” Frank Reich said.  “We’ve been waiting for this game for a long time.  So I think we’re pretty honed in.  I think we’ve been narrowly focused and have had a good idea all along how we wanted to attack.  We’ve really tried to get the plan in place early so we could focus on fundamentals, technique and just playing good football.   Play good sound football, run your basic stuff and win your one-on-one matchups. At the end of the day that’s what it comes down to.”
Few key odds and ends, first this is a must win for the San Diego Chargers, they have a history of starting slow with games and struggling early in the season, however they finish strong with a force when they become the underdogs.  Phillip Rivers last year stats in the redzone, 22 TD's 1 INT, the run, 8 redzone TD's, 5 of those Ryan Matthews with a 2.5 yrd per carry average.  New face to San Diego, Donald Brown with an average of 4 yards per carry in the redzone. This could mean nothing or could be a deciphering factor on who the number one back will be, as Matthews has a history of losing the ball, just as he did in the opening pre season game on the goal line, while Brown has not fumbled since 2009.  This, once again, is a must WIN for the Bolts kickoff at 7:20 PM PST, as they need a quick start out of the gate and will turn around and host the SB48 Champs, The Seattle Seahawks 6 nights later for their home opener, a #SNF  WHITE OUT!

Injury Report as of Friday

Good news full participation for Nick Hardwick and Keenan Allen.
injuryreport

Huge congratulations to the 37th member of the Charger HOF DE,  Leslie O'Neal!!
It's safe to say that San Diego is ready for some FOOTBALL and possibly Tostitos, too!
thx.chargers
Dynamite week wishes on a packed Sunday of football as you wait for the first #MNF of the season, a double header commencing at 4:10 PM PST with NYGvsBUF ! Enjoy ALL the football this weekend!




Cheers,
You can follow me on insta or twitter
@desiree_astorga
FIRST DOWNS AND FLIP TRICKS
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The DesireeSHOW
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Fourth and Final for the Chargers



Final exhibition game for the Chargers and  all 32 teams in the league, Cuts and more cuts, quake, blackouts, rematches and adds to the practice squad. Fourth and final not Fourth & Loud please don't confuse with the circus happening in LA actually Anaheim. Let my clarify has nothing to do with players or what the product KISS is delivering, I just find that it would be extremely challenging, if I was a player on the team. Period! Okay enough said. The final preseason game goes down Thursday avoiding no team in the National Football League with cuts or waivers deciphered by Saturday. First cuts took place this Tuesday with 22 players holding on to make the final 53-man roster. Quakes and carts in the bay.
Pre game, referring to the total points allowed and made in SF’s first two games.
Hank Bower warned "Don't be fooled by 57-3"

#SDvsSF

Chargers were greeted with a 6.0 magnitude earthquake in Santa Clara in the wee hours prior to kickoff. There have been over 138 earthquakes in the last 7 days in the Napa region, prayers for all affected by the devastation in the wine country. Red glared everywhere at the new Levi’s Stadium as seats and fans clad all in scarlet. The much talked about sod was slated to be replaced after the game. The end result, San Francisco, Norcal takes the 45th preseason match up, the last five between the San Diego, as well. However the score (21-7) SF, not really an indicator nor the turf, Phillip Rivers played the first half flawlessly (9 for 10 for 85 yards and 1 TD), connected with Mr. Antonio Gates, for a 10 yard TD, that has such a great ring to it! Oh, not Oklahoma Oklahoma, but “Diego Diego”  Kaepernick audible, still haven’t figured out where that derived, the cartoon, or San Diego for short, regardless it was to no avail, the real two words, Corey Luiget! He was in beast mode, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, got a hand on one and stuffed the runs for losses, he was all over the field.   In regards to a new stadium and the Chargers dilemma, possessing the oldest stadium, the Q, in the league. She’s 47 years old, they broke ground December 18, 1965 and opened August 20, 1967.
Per Erin Andrews “Chargers players would take even the visitors locker room.”

Low-lights:

Three carts on the field 2 for Chargers players, DE, Kwame Geathers and DE, Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe along with Niners Rookie C, Marcus Martin, but is expected to be back in 8 weeks after suffering a knee cap injury. Geathers and Tjong-A-Tjoe were both placed on the Reserved-Injured list, along with CB Marcus Cromartie. PMA wishes to all the guys for a speedy and full recoveries. Now on to depth, this was a little scary, San Diego struggled, lack of depth on the defense and with two players down, makes pre season game number 4 a little more interesting, as twos and threes will play and audition for those last few spots. First cuts to 75 for Tuesdays deadline we’re almost all done on Monday.
T Nick Becton FB Zach Boren TE Jake Byrne WR Brelan Chancellor LB Adrian Hamilton WR Micah Hatfield G Darryl Johnson TE Ryan Otten DB Lowell Rose P Chase Tenpenny RB Kerwynn Williams With CB, Brandon Ghee being released and already noted, G, Jeromey Clarey on the reserve-PUP list

#AZvsSD   #SDvsAZ

Who to watch for Thursday;  DT, Ryan Carrethers, RB, Marion Grice, Oliver Branden and WR, Javontee Herndon. Special teams, special teams, that’s the spot to get on, that and if your dealing with depth, you’ve got a shot as well.  Black out in San Diego, a sad thing, #comeonman, yes it’s the last exhibition game of the pre season, and yes not starters will dress, however some may wear the pads regardless, wink wink, (Rivers), but this shouldn’t be blacked out!! Give these kids some love, this may be the last game some will dress and actually be on a NFL field. Cut to 53 Saturday & days till chargers face off with the same Cards in #MNF opener just at a different location at the University of Phoenix Stadium and home to the Super Bowl 49. Wk 4 of the pre will be nothing, but not so fast! Nothing is far from the truth for the players trying to make the 53 man roster or charger practice squad or another's to try and trying to keep the dream alive, they have a bonus three this year as the NFL upped the practice squad to 11 from 8, granting a trio spots more. To add, neither coach will show anything either as these two face off for the MNF opener ten days later.  Chargers opener will be in Phoenix, double header Monday Night Football and if your a wishful Bolt fan, it will hopefully be the last game of the season, too!

Have a happy Labor Day weekend enjoying college football, I’ll be watching the Trojans vs the Bulldogs, #Fight ON till next week!
You can follow me on insta or twitter
@desiree_astorga
FIRST DOWNS AND FLIP TRICKS
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The DesireeSHOW
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Oceanside's Coach John Carroll


Character Integrity and Leadership


Three words most referenced when spoken about Coach John Carroll.

He has brought more than football championships to Oceanside. On the field you can see it, you can feel it and then see it again in the players eyes.  What has transpired on the field is a family, keeping the media at bay and humility integrated. Coach Carroll, one of the special ones, and you know that if you’ve ever met him. The program has been a source of power of motivation of inspiration and yet it's always just that, a team, and a family, which infiltrates into the community.

Last year was a scare as prayers were plentiful for the man whom this community embraces. Buzzing gratitude and excitement when he was back on the field for scrimmages, as Coach was in his place.


Pirates have been championship football, the powerhouse program led by no other than HC Carroll since 1989, with the record 234-74-6, add the 6-0 start to the 2014 season.  A record dozen CIF Titles, 25 consecutive playoff appearances, throw in 2007 and 2009 State Championships and your just starting to get the picture.

Oceanside’s got pride, bleeds green, has history and will have a new stadium name, Simcox Field at John Carroll Stadium.


There have been some amazing coaches in San Diego football, but none can match Coach Carroll’s record or the magic that happens on and off the field at Oceanside High. From academic staff meetings, school banquets to Friday night lights or daily practices, Coach Carroll brings something special not in playbooks or schemes, he has given the gift of integrity, character and respect along with humility something that can’t be taught in a classroom, but only shown thru example.  He is a true leader and an amazing mentor, influencing the lives of all that he touches.


 “Another father at O’side, whenever I needed anything, he was always there when I needed it.  A great mentor and coach brought the best out of me. He's basically Oceanside.  High respect for him, players listen and play.”
  - Israel “Tofi” Poapoa  

 “Coach Carol had a big influence in my football career.  If he wouldn't have ever discovered me I would have never had a football career at all.  He has become more than just a coach to me, but also a role model.  The passion that he displays for the game and his players is admirable.  I hope that one day I can be as passionate about whatever it is I devote myself to.  He's a great coach and a great man.”  
  - Roberto Wallace

“If I had to sum it up in one sentence I would have to say his leadership is second to none.”  
  - AD OHS,  Darius Pickert

“His leadership is huge on and off the field, even at the adult level, banquets, academic meetings, always incredibly inspiring, what he has to say, so much character and integrity.”
 -  AP OHS, Saul Watson

Thank you Coach Carroll!

Desiree Astorga

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Chargers Pre Week 3


West coast travels continue as Chargers prep for an hour flight to San Jose for their third pre season game at the new home of the Niners. NFC team number three of four in the pre for San Diego. Not a happy visits in Seattle for the Bolts, however possibly a learning tool if applied. Off to NorCal to possible sod issues and a dangerously upset miners in the bay as they host their second home game of the season after a smashing in their home opener. Chargers will face three of these teams again in the season as schedule puts the AFC West vs. the NFC West the 2014 NFL schedule.
#SDvsSEA  Quick hits on annihilation
Chargers greeted by 67,615 of the #12thman at Century Link last Friday and were unable to stop the SB48 champs. Hawks were unstoppable; Seattle never even punted, not once, but not surprising when you saw the final score, 41-14 SEA. Run Bolts run, wasn't a variable with 78 total rushing yards, but can't stop the run was, as SD allowed 4 rushing TD's by the Hawks QB's, Russell Wilson with 2 alone, Terrell Pryor was only 1/4 in the air, but second in rushing to Robert Turbin and his 81 yards with 59 including a 44 yard rushing TD, plus B.J. Daniels also ran one in. San Diego gave up 243 rushing yards and 160 in the air while donning a 6.6 per carry average. Penalties???? 7 for 51 yards add 6 punts to that and its not going to turn out well for anyone.   Highlights of the game for the Blue and Gold, Kellen Clemens was 14/21 with 149 yards and took a lot of hits and got right back up, definitely showed his toughness.  Phillip Rivers was 2/4 with only one possession for 20 yards. Yes, Chargers didn't play their starters for long versus the Seahawks duration, however I don't think it would have mattered. It reminded me of USC Football when Pete was at the helm, I almost started doing the V is for Victory Trojan fingers automatically, you see I was reared a Trojan in the John McKay/ Robinson era, a running back on the boys team because of Ricky Bell, Charles White and Marcus Allen. I'm also not a specific fan of teams, but players or personal, so this was a challenging game for me. With that said, more positives for the Chargers. If they can learn this truly valuable lesson and I do believe they have the right guides to help make that happen, this is a special locker room, a family, both on and off the field. I think this will bring them closer and also allow some passion to shine forth.   This team in the past does grow closer and stronger through adversity.  

#SDvsSF
Off to Santa Clara, yes Santa Clara the home of the new Levi's Stadium. Raving reviews have been pouring on this beautiful new $1.2 billion home of the San Francisco 49ers, even some custom jeans, but with a little glitch in the $1.4 M grass. After an hour of open to the public practice on Wednesday, Coach Harbaugh took his team off the field to their regular practice field due to players slipping. Thursday re-sodding commenced with some reports that turf was also being replaced, per KTVU’s news. Kick off for the (1-1) San Diego Chargers vs.(0-2) San Francisco 49ers kicks off as scheduled at 1PM PST.

Wednesday the team said, "We have determined the appropriate measures necessary to have the field ready for Sunday and look forward to hosting the San Diego Chargers."

Turf is the least of these two opponents worries, game 3 of the pre is a big one, first cuts will happen August 26 (prior to 4 PM EST, clubs must reduce their rosters to 75 players). Both teams come into the game after some humiliation, and yes I know there just exhibition games but they have to be productive. Both coming into wk 3 with their tales between their legs, the Niners come in with one field goal between their first two games, an average of 1.5 pts per game. Opened up their brand new stadium, which is not in San Francisco (actually 5 minutes away from San Jose Airport) they were decimated and now perhaps a little tarnished, I know it’s the pre, but come on, they have allowed 57 points in 2 games.
Needless to say this is going to be a good one! Most of your starters will play at least the first half, if not more. This is the 42nd preseason game between the franchises, the Niners edge over the Bolts with 22-20 record, the last three games have belonged to San Fran as well. Expect this game to have a lot of passion, a solid game at least the first half of play and I beg more as players will be fighting to earn their spots on at least the first cuts. Expect SF to run the ball something they clearly saw SD struggle with, actually the hardship was prevalent in both their games, only that versus Dallas they were able to contain in the red zone. Both teams will be playing with much needed passion and chips on their shoulders to prove to themselves primarily and the rest of the league that they will be a force to reckon with, that and I think to get the bad tastes out of their mouths.
Watch for Rivers to play at least the first half and I'm anxious to see if Matthews plays or if there was a fumble discrepancy, penalties and to see the adjustments of the D, while I know Woodhead will always impress.  I too am excited to watch the players on the cusp fight to keep the dream alive!
Kick off Sunday!
18 more days till Chargers KO the 2014 season in AZ!
Cheers till next week!
You can follow me on insta or twitter
@desiree_astorga
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The DesireeSHOW
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder


Friday, August 15, 2014

CENTURYLINK HERE COME THE CHARGERS


photo 4-thumb-824x583-43187
Family, birthday wishes, the last three to leave the practice field, ice bucket challenges and music as the Chargers board the plane to Seattle to play the #SB48 champs, the first home game for the #12thman since the title. #SDvsSEA (1-0) Chargers vs (0-1) Seahawks  kicks off at 7PM Friday, record is not of importance, though,  but it's fun, it will be LOUD and possibly with some precipitation.

Friends, family and training camp comes to a close for the public, but that means the seasons even closer. Chargers face off with the Champs Friday at Centurylink Stadium, loud music being merely one of the tools in prep for the game, as the Hawks fans have set the bar high in noise, donning the Seahawks the loudest and most difficult place to play. Let me remind you this is an exposition game, however, its the opener for all the #12s as the hawks host their 2014 premier on Friday night.
Mike McCoy "We've had music all camp long it has been extremely loud at times, this is just a little different, a lil more annoying you could say, very similar to when you go on the road to a loud place like Seattle, which is the loudest stadium in the league week in and week out, and with the great 12th man they have there. So just a little introduction to it tune in and focus and make sure to communicate in a loud hostile environment."
Chargers will await to host Seattle, September 14th for their home opener, this is all prep, for the fans and for the team. A fan loud white out rumored to occur in San Diego for the game.

Run Bolts Run


#FBF Sproles ©desiree astorga
#FBF Sproles ©desiree astorga
Quick hits in regards to #DALvsSD, the run was prevalent! The backs were stand outs! The pace great as well, you can look forward to the game getting faster and faster as the weeks near the official KickOff to the 2014 season. 152 total rushing yards, numbers to watch Highlights (34)Donald Brown, Branden Oliver, the return of the number 43, with much comparisons to the former jersey wearer, Darren Sproles.
Leading the pack with 7 carries for 64 rushing yards and 1 TD. Former Buckeye, (45) Zach Boren coming in with sole FB duties, Marion Grice (28) with 14 carries for 35 rushing yards and the always productive asset Mr. Danny Woodhead. One apprehension Mathews fumble, will pause on full alarm however, it just came at a crucial moment. 243 receiving yards, leading, Dontrelle Inman with 3 receptions for 107 yards and one TD, followed by Ladarius Green with 2 catches for 26 yards, Danny Woodhead 1 for 25 yards, yes his name again, and Joe Flacco's younger brother Mike Flacco with a reception for 18 yards.

Charger QBs were on point almost perfect between the three with 14 of 16 combined with 243 yards.

  • Brad Sorensen 7 for 5, 48 yards
  • Kellen Clemens 5 for 5, 134 yards
  • Philip Rivers 4 for 4, 61 yards


Defensive Leaders Jahlee Addae, Reggie Walker, Greg Ducre and Darrell Stuckey. Colton Underwood and Thomas Keiser both with a sack while Reggie Walker and Cordarro Law split one.

Few odds & ends

Last three players to leave the practice Dontelle InmanEddie Royal and Brandon Flowers, yes he is back on the practice field and yes, they all are friends! Jason Verrett took off the red jersey and Birthday wishes in order for Chargers' Veteran and #rolltide Jarrett Johnson celebrated his 33rd birthday on Thursday.

Challenged in SD

Earlier this week, John Elway called out Tom Tellesco to do the #ALSIceBucketChallenge he accepted. After practice on Wednesday he came through while Eric Weddle dressed and assisted his GM for the special occasion. All for the good of ALS.
Tellesco, " The Chargers never back down from an AFC West rival"
This continued, spread through out the league and community
and so on and so on……………..reminds me of #FBF Joe Nammoth Faberge commercials' like a fabrige shampoo commercial, except I can't find it, but found one getting creamed! Happy #Flashbackfriday!

Cheers to another week and 3 weeks till the season officially commences.
Desiree
You can follow me on insta or twitter
@desiree_astorga
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The DesireeSHOW

Thursday, August 7, 2014

CHARGERS TO KICKOFF THE PRESEASON



No Black-Out in SD!! More competition, faster younger, family atmosphere and some great additions to the 89-man roster, a lot of depth in the charts a more upbeat tempo and balance on the offense, the new additions to solidify the defense and to watch dreams materialize on special teams. San Diego hosting Dallas for their first preseason match up.

Yep it kicked off Sunday with Bills hosting Giants for the HOF game in Canton Ohio, but for the rest of the league preseason commences tonight with 6 games continues to Friday with 6 as well and then 4 on Saturday to wind up the first week of preseason. Chargers hosting the Cowboys to a sold out Q. #TGITNF! Unfortunately Tony Romo will not play, after his second back surgery, Cowboys backup QB Brandon Weeden will get the start.
Former Charger greats, Hall of Famer Dan Fouts with the play-by play and Pro Bowler Billy Ray Smith with the color will be holding down the booth for ABC, both with a lot of early enthusiasm for the 2014 Chargers.

Dan Fouts praised “Tellesco has done a great job. Mike McCoy in his second year has got the team very focused, enthused and all those things bolt well for the Chargers this season.”
Fouts on challenges in regards to the schedule, “They have to play the NFC West, which is the best division in football with Seattle, San Francsico, Arizona and St Louis, you talk about the family atmosphere here, that will be tested here. I just hope the family is not like a Kardasian”


Although its going to be a long road for SD, a brutal one, especially the last 7 games after the bye:  @ Raiders, Rams, @ Ravens, Patriots, Broncos, @ Niners, Chiefs. One thing that is clearly a must is for this team to stay healthy, but I am getting ahead of myself, we haven’t even kicked off a preseason game yet, so lets get back to the here and now. Kickoff is in few hours as I write, every year I amp out, this year is no different, and yes its not the real season, yet, but its an indicator that my long awaited off season has passed!

DEPTH CHARTS!!

Offense:

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Rivers will most likely only play one possessions. What I’m looking forward to seeing is this new offense with Frank Reich at the helm. How fast? Chip Kelly fast?? How balanced? How much run will I see? Play calling…yep the usual, with some new ones in the mix, really looking forward to upbeat and balanced.
Malcolm Floyd back on the field, after that scary neck injury last September.
Donald Brown in the backfield.
The three headed running game.
Former Steelers TE David Johnson’s contribution, he can block and has descent hands along with a ring.
Fouts enthusiastic about David Johnson “He’s versatile, and brings attitude and toughness”
Also interested in watching both back up QB’s whom I believe we will see much of in the next few weeks, Kellen Clemens former Oregon Duck with 8 years in the NFL and Former Southern Utah’s Brad Sorenson, whom I was impressed with last pre season.

Defense:

chargersdefdepth
Brandon Flowers and Jason Verrett not to play, however I look forward to seeing second round pick Jerry Attauchu and the secondary especially the edges. Dwight Freeney healthy with veteran leadership back on the field, along with Melvin Ingram, almost having them healthy and back is like getting two more players.

Special Teams:

chargersdepthspecial
This is where the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter becomes interesting for me. This is your way to make the team!   The guys that shine bright during these exhibition games have the best chance to make it on the squad, special teams is usually the avenue for these fortunate ones. Kick return, punt return, at present with KR, Donald Brown and Eddie Royal as PR, best check out Javontee Herndon WR from Arkansas and 7th round pick Tevin Reese, WR from Baylor making a splash at practice.

Well Kick off is coming soon! Although there is no meriting on the game, a lot will show hopefully some sort of preview if you read between the lines.

First Roster cuts August 26th prior to 4;00 PM EST clubs must reduce roster to a maximum of 75 players on the active list.

Cheers till next week.
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Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
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