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"

Did you see these? All the best photos from yesterday's #SDvsSF game: http://t.co/c9eBNOcdtB pic.twitter.com/c29mtZ0d4g
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) August 25, 2014

#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 45^th 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

LET'S GO BOLTS! Despite the blackout, there's several ways to catch tonight's #AZvsSD game: http://t.co/DnCDuMkExc pic.twitter.com/eHZIRnhc5M — San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) August 28, 2014

#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!

Desiree Astorga

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

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

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.

BeastMode... Jr??? @RobT_33 gives Marcus Gilchrist a 10-yard stiff-arm: http://t.co/VLfITdrMSh #SDvsSEA pic.twitter.com/HtUbJL4kn0
— NFL (@nfl) August 16, 2014

#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.  

Levi's doesn't just have its name on stadium, there's a 49ers collection http://t.co/JSCypNo8vQ (H/T @samcmlaird) pic.twitter.com/p7tW480qEM
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) August 21, 2014

#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!

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
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder

CENTURYLINK HERE COME THE CHARGERS

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.

Seattle-bound! #SDvsSEA pic.twitter.com/S3ayI0ysQI
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) August 14, 2014

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

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 Inman, Eddie 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.

Happy Birthday to #Chargers veteran OLB Jarret Johnson! pic.twitter.com/Op9R9s5eu8 — San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) August 14, 2014

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"

"The #Chargers will never back down from a challenge from an AFC West rival" @johnelway http://t.co/boG7rO7tuu pic.twitter.com/Ut0cxL84gt
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) August 14, 2014

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

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.

Hear what the #Chargers have to say about tonight's first preseason game. #DALvsSD http://t.co/JhVl96pmcU pic.twitter.com/vHOlw22AfT
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) August 7, 2014

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:

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:

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:

This is where the 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th 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 7^th 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 26^th prior to 4;00 PM EST clubs must reduce roster to a maximum of 75 players on the active list.

Cheers till next week.

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
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder