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?

Those are #Seahawks coaches holding tables up to make sun shades. Still think heat's not a factor? #Chargers #NBC7 pic.twitter.com/sqilNN6Zpp — Derek Togerson (@DerekNBCSD) September 14, 2014

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.

Phillip Rivers to Antonio Gates is 1 of the best combinations ever. #Truth — DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) September 14, 2014

Antonio Gates has 90 career TD catches. Passes Andre Reed (89), Larry Fitzgerald (89) and Don Maynard (88) for 11th all-time. — Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) September 15, 2014

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.

Harrison Wilson III was a rookie @Chargers WR in 1980. His son plays QB for the Seahawks. [http://t.co/kna0Gsrs7V] pic.twitter.com/iK4gjhNuFU — Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 12, 2014

  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

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 19^th          BUF 17^th       

DEF

SD 18^th          BUF 21^st                   

PASSING

SD 8^th             BUF 26^th    

RUSHING

SD 27^th         BUF 7^th         

Note worthy on the Injury report as of Thursday, Flowers,  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

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

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.

@berniewilson If they would have just had Comic- Con at Charger's training - camp Would make my timeline a lot less complicated / annoying
— David (@pointerdave) July 24, 2014

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 Woodhead signs a two-year extension contract.

“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

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

“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

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

Antonio Gates on spending time with his ill sister this offseason: "You basically get one chance to prove you love your family."
— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) July 24, 2014

First Preseason game

Thursday August 7^th

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