Thursday, July 31, 2014

MUSIC, MAGIC & MEDIA AT CHARGERS CAMP



Fun, music, excitement, family, reunions and even national media at Chargers Camp with a week left till the first preseason game. Five of the ten practices open to the fans remain, with Chargers Fan Fest 2014 at the Q on Saturday. A sense of family encompasses as well, with veteran players, all taking pay cuts. LT, Ladainian Tomlinson, back on the field along with Head Coach Mike McCoy on with The Jim Rome Show.


Tons of enthusiasm and hope, even drones flying and this is essentially across the league at every camp, feeling or saying the same, but theirs a little magic here in San Diego. There is definitely a bit of a buzz in the atmosphere.


Family, Mike McCoy and Tom Telesco brought a stronger feeling of family when they came; it has spread throughout the entire HQ's. Jeromey Clarey, who played with multiple injuries taking a $3 million dollar pay cut (actually $2.95M) and you have a player like Jarrett Johnson who played with a broken hand along with Eddie Royal, both taking pay cuts a few months back. It is a TEAM, no I in TEAM; a team is a family, all like a car needing every part to operate. San Diego has something special, I'm not talking sorcery, but I am seeing a conjuring of an extraordinary quality or power showing up at Camp for this team.

Fast and Speed two additives used to describe the players and tempo, add music as well.

Jarrett Johnson"I am really excited and to be honest a lil shocked the youth, the youthful talent and youthful speed on our team, it was really weird cause was different from just mini camp thought I had a pretty good feel how we were gonna be in mini camp and we get here and… just with the addition of Brandon Flowers and the rookie playing (referring to rookie Jerry Attaochu) …. Everyone we have, can move."


Charger Practice Mix, music blaring first day at camp, HC McCoy had encouraged players to give song requests, only one did, so the first day all that played was country. It didn't take long, actually day two came around from twanging to rock to all kinds of bumpin in the air, lending a fun atmosphere during camps and bringing up the energy level.
#FBF LT 2006 Charger Camp photo ©desireeastorga


#FlashBackFriday as LT was back on the practice field, although in a different suit, while working with the NFL Network. Reunited with former teammates, enthusiastic about the run while coining it a "three headed horse" and lots of love from the Chargers Family.
"I miss this duo, LT & Gatsey", Jennifer Rojas, Chargers PR
"LT & Gatesy" photo Jennifer Rojas, Chargers PR
Ladainian stating the backs, "compliments in a perfect way."
Describing Woodhead as a "match up nightmare" and the addition of Donald Brown, " the perfect mix between Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead ........and a great screen runner and he can block."

With only hours till the HOF Class of 2014 ceremony and first preseason game, most warranting to give a big shout out to the one and only Mr. Andre Reed, San Diego native, on this special Saturday. Huge deserving congratulations!!
Congrats to the entire Class of 2014:  Derrick Brooks, Ray Guy, Claude Humphrey, Walter Jones, Andre Reed, Michael Strahan, and Aeneas Williams.  All will be formally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the memorable ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014.


Less than a week till the Q will kickoff with the Cowboys in town, but who's counting? I know I am!

Cheers till next week!

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@desiree_astorga
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

CHARGERS KICK OFF TRAINING CAMP



Three thousand fans showed up Thursday morning for the first Charger Training Camp of the 2014 season. Kick off for the 2014 season doesn’t officially commence till September 4th, however it feels like it has for fans, players and coaches as 4020 Murphy Canyon Road was packed this morning. San Diego hot and hopping right now with even Comic Con just down the street during a heat wave.

A whole new season just about to start!

41 days till #2014NFL SEASON officially kicks off! Yes, I have been counting! First Charger pre-season game less than 2 weeks away, fans picking their seats, new acquisitions, rookies, vets, new offensive cord and sophomore year for HC Mike McCoy.
SAN DIEGO ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!
It’s been as expected a pretty busy few days,

Tuesday:

Larry English was released making the 2009 draft class obsolete in SD.
“Danny is an integral part of our offense,” said General Manager Tom Telesco.  “His work ethic and on-field production were key elements last year.  We look forward to having him be a part of the Chargers organization into the future.”

Wednesday:

Conditioning, Jeromey Clary put on PUP and Jonas Mouton was waived, failed physical.

Thursday:

CAMP!!!
Excitement in the air on both sides of the ball as we patiently wait for the 2014 Charger roster to unfold.  Passion, competition with an air of family on the field as fans watched with enthusiasm as 89 players, among them the Rookie class and additions all rallying for a spot on the soon to be 53 man roster.
2014 Draft Class
  • RD 1 (25th overall) CB Jason Verrett  TCU
  • RD 2 (50th overall) OLB Jerry Attaochu  Georgia Tech
  • RD 3 (89th overall) DT Ryan Carrethers  Arkansas State
  • RD 6 (201st overall) RB Marion Grice  Arizona State
  • RD 7 (240th overall) WR Tevin Reese  Baylor
New draft picks and acquired players all dressed to impress coaches, teammates and on lookers alike while vets continued to show why they’re in San Diego. Camp commenced with even new soap in the media room restroom.
 Rookie OLB, Jason Attaochu,  “Reminds me of first day of college camp”.
Defense: with a new look, many new additions, the draft brought a lot of hope to the defense along with former rival CB Brandon Flowers via KC.
Charger #1 Draft Pick, Jason Verrett, out with the first team
Charger #1 Draft Pick, Jason Verrett, out with the first team
WR Eddie Royal, shared his excitement “I like the group of guys we have, it started with OTA’s and mini camps. Guys out there competing, were having fun and we just love being out there on the field, we have a group of guys that love playing football and whenever your around that it makes the game a lot better for you".
But what's also buzzing is the new Offensive Coordinator and an actual run or should I say a more balanced offense and the promise of an even more productive red zone and an upbeat tempo from Frank Reich. The former NFL QB (1985-1998) brings years of experience on the field and off as a coach, as well.
#FBF Charger Training Camp 2006 Photo ©desireeastorga
#FBF Charger Training Camp 2006 Photo ©desireeastorga

“You have to be an aggressive play caller,” Reich said. “That doesn’t mean more passes than runs. It means situational football, knowing what to do, how to take advantage of it and trusting your players to do what you call.”



“With Frank as offensive coordinator, we will be able to maintain continuity on offense and help maximize the production by Philip and the entire unit,” HC Mike McCoy stated, “He has a great feel for the offense we have created and he has been a valuable asset to Philip and all of the quarterbacks.”




On a sad note…

Rivers to Gates #FBF photo ©desiree astorga
Rivers to Gates #FBF photo ©desiree astorga
With tons of elation for the commencement of Camp, the day however started with a lump in everyone’s stomach and hearts as news came out this morning that Antonio Gates 22 year old sister, Pamela had passed; she had been suffering from Lupus for three years. My heart and prayers go out to Antonio and the entire Gates family. Its been shared that after every game last season he would fly to Detroit to be with her.
Again prayers, as my heart is in my stomach, tough, tough times for the Gates Family


First Preseason game
Thursday August 7th
CHARGERS hosting DALLAS
7PM KO

Thanks for being my opening kick return as I start the 2014 NFL season. It's going to be an amazing and challenging season as Chargers face the NFC West and AFC North this year.
Desiree Astorga
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder
Time out with Desiree, the silver linings
An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.
The DesireeSHOW