2016 NFL Preseaon Schedule Announced

NFL/HALL OF FAME GAME – AUGUST 7
Green Bay vs. Indianapolis (ESPN, 8/7)

WEEK 1 – AUGUST 11-15
Dallas at Los Angeles (ESPN, 8/13)
Carolina at Baltimore
Cleveland at Green Bay
Denver at Chicago
Detroit at Pittsburgh
Houston at San Francisco
Indianapolis at Buffalo
Jacksonville at NY Jets
Miami at NY Giants
Minnesota at Cincinnati
New Orleans at New England
Oakland at Arizona
San Diego at Tennessee
Seattle at Kansas City
Tampa Bay at Philadelphia
Washington at Atlanta


WEEK 2 – AUGUST 18-22
Arizona at San Diego
Atlanta at Cleveland
Baltimore at Indianapolis
Carolina at Tennessee
Chicago at New England
Cincinnati at Detroit
Kansas City at Los Angeles
Miami at Dallas
Minnesota at Seattle
New Orleans at Houston
NY Giants at Buffalo
NY Jets at Washington
Oakland at Green Bay
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
San Francisco at Denver
Tampa Bay at Jacksonville

WEEK 3 – AUGUST 25-28
Atlanta at Miami (NBC, 8/25)
Cleveland at Tampa Bay (CBS, 8/26)
Tennessee at Oakland (CBS, 8/27)
San Diego at Minnesota (FOX, 8/28)
Arizona at Houston (FOX, 8/28)
Cincinnati at Jacksonville (NBC, 8/28)
Buffalo at Washington
Dallas at Seattle
Detroit at Baltimore
Green Bay at San Francisco
Kansas City at Chicago
Los Angeles at Denver
New England at Carolina
NY Giants at NY Jets
Philadelphia at Indianapolis
Pittsburgh at New Orleans

WEEK 4 – SEPTEMBER 1-2
Baltimore at New Orleans
Buffalo at Detroit
Chicago at Cleveland
Denver at Arizona
Green Bay at Kansas City
Houston at Dallas
Indianapolis at Cincinnati
Jacksonville at Atlanta
Los Angeles at Minnesota
New England at NY Giants
NY Jets at Philadelphia
Pittsburgh at Carolina
San Francisco at San Diego
Seattle at Oakland
Tennessee at Miami
Washington at Tampa Bay

Yesterday on The Desiree Show, had the honor of having two amazing men, Damon Baldwin and Alphonzo Rawls, both making an impact in every area they touch.  Former LA Raiders, Aztec and current Head Coach of the (8-2) Ramona Bulldogs, joined me for a pre record earlier in the day, due to practice schedules.

While in studio was graced by former H-Street pro skater, artist, designer and the founder of EveryOneSkates, Alphonzo Rawls.

Truly thankful to both my guests for making the time and sharing so much.
You can follow Alphonzo, EverybodyAlph,  Everyoneskates on insta  and Damon on twitter and facebook, for Ramona Bulldogs.


If you missed the show live, here's part one with Damon Baldwin, part two to follow.


THE DESIREE SHOW
11/12/14
DAMON BALDWIN
ALPHONZO RAWLS


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
You can follow me on twitter and insta 
Or on the new the Desiree SHOW  insta or twitter
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder 

Day of Dead for Chargers

Day of the Dead for Chargers, three division games in 11 days, one in 23, an egg laid, thrown and three losses in a row. It looked as if  November 2nd took the life out of the Chargers, it is Day of the dead, Dia de los Muertos, which is what the Chargers looked like in on Sundays, Fins Up Bolts Down beating 37-0, granting Chargers the largest shut out to date this season and being one of only three teams to have endured it along with the worst loss in franchise history since 1996. Add the last stretch of the season and your searching for any positives to bring to the table.

Adversity, character building, soul searching, ranting fans, total devastation in South Beach placing the Chargers with a rough road ahead to possibly see the post, yes this was a must win game, but it almost looked as if they had ventured a little farther south and ended up in the Bahamas or maybe confused with the time change. Fans even thought that the team  may have been kidnapped and Raiders had dressed as Chargers and to boot, they have another week to sit with it, not just 3 losses, but the exclamation of the embarrassing whopping.   Some even questioning the spirit of the players, the locker room, the coaching at how this could happen after a 5-1 start. Yes at 5-4, San Diego is up in arms and everyone’s got his or her two cents to throw in the pot. One thing is certain the schedule is not looking optimistic, nor has it since the commencing of the season.

Defense thought the bye was THIS week. — Darren Smith (@DSmithShow) November 2, 2014  

Thirteen days without a game followed by 7 in 42 days with the first 2 after the bye are seemingly the most possible wins, come from two potential LA bound teams. Chargers will be hosting the Oakland Raiders then the St Louis Rams. The five that follow are all contingent play off teams @ Baltimore, vs. New England, vs. Denver, @ San Francisco, @ Kansas City and it looks as if the final 2 will also be fighting for their spots. Heavy! Yes, but try not to give up yet, if you’re a Chargers fan. The day of the Dead is to celebrate and give respect to those who have gone on, not to bury them, hang in fans and have faith in your boys!

It was Fins Up, Bolts Down

Quick Ugly hits from Miami, none if you’re a Dolphin, they were able to do just about anything they wanted on the field.

2:00 left in the half #17 vs. #17 and down 17-0, Chargers were unable to defend either line, no pass protection and no run, not when your lineman are on your side of the scrimmage. The second half went from bad to worse and delivered the worst loss in almost 20 years, comical tweets kept it light,

The #Chargers are getting no pressure on the QB, but at least they're missing tackles… #SDvsMIA — Eric Stangel (@EricStangel) November 2, 2014

while others nailed them.

Mike McCoy needs to lose his mind at halftime. This is as bad as his team has played. Completely unacceptable, no matter how many injuries.
— UTKevinAcee (@UTKevinAcee) November 2, 2014

At the half, there was some silver lining, it could have been 35-0 Dolphins rather than 20-0, in part due by the help of Luiget getting a hand on a ball and breaking up a play, which held Dolphins to 3, vs. 7.

Seyi Ajirotutu been center of two post-play scrums today. Only sight of fight from Chargers so far. — Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) November 2, 2014

First game in all Phillip Rivers career that he left the field not scoring, that includes his College days as well, he had 3 INT’s and one fumble, It even appeared the Brett Grimes had been acquired by the Chargers in a trade. Rough loss on all counts, McCoy’s post interview on Xtra Sports was the most emotion filled and broken McCoy I’ve ever heard, essentially stating the truths, poor in all three phases of the game, loosing at the line on both sides of the ball. One more note, Rivers was pulled after a slight injury to his hand but, it was reported pulled because the game was out of hand. One more bad bit of news, Gates hurt his ankle, we will have to wait to see how severely, however, sending PMA to the most amazing TE ever.  Chargers Defense worst in the NFL in the red zone, and added to that record unfortunately to secure the spot.

A visual without execution is a hallucination.

The leaders of the team will need to right the ship, while the players and coaches will need to find solutions and fans will need to be patient in this long stretch. Injuries have been the Achilles heel but I think that with all injuries if you continue to win it provides positive energy however compile that with losses and I think a deadly combo, this team has character, fight and passion although somehow amiss on Sunday, they will find a way but, even if they do, it maybe too late, but remember any given Sunday. Alas, I’ll leave you with a lil bit of hope from the amazing Bobby Rubio.      

Yes, it was a tough loss, but IT'S NOT OVER! TIME TO RECHARGE! #BoltUp@Chargers & #ChargersNation#ForTheRealFanspic.twitter.com/01EOEtJwUv — Bobby Rubio (@Bobby_Rubio) November 3, 2014

Till next week!

Desiree

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
You can follow me on twitter and insta
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder 

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!

#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.

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!

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,

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

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

 

NFL Weekly Whip Around

A few hits on the week, many dates, and events with holidays, announcements, anniversaries and even celebrations all through out the league and world. Busy week all around, voluntary workouts commence, the 2014 NFL schedule, Earth day, Chicago’s Wrigley’s Field celebrated 100 years, MLB has its first instant replay, the first American since 1983 wins the Boston Marathon and only 12 days till the 2014 NFL Draft is here.
Hope you all had an amazing holiday weekend whether it was Easter or Passover and that it was filled with special family and friends. Before I plummet into a sea of dates numbers and events, essentially go into full football tourettes, I wanted to pause or venture back a little more than a week ago on some do-gooding, charity events continue to happen mostly off the media radar, but I had the opportunity to be at two different events Saturday before last, here a quick look.


Kick’n it with the Pros Dinner
Jerseys clad, aprons secured, as Dinner with the Pros was an amazing scrimmage of trays, plates, players and celebs serving food to a ballroom of guests.  All benefiting 5 different organizations with an emphasis on church, youth and the community. John Carney and Steve Weatherford hosts of the amazing fun filled event.
Fan for Life

The meaning of love was defined at Seaport Village in San Diego, I was fortunate to be in attendance for this years #FFL, an amazing event put on by the John Brockington Foundation, essentially Diane and John Brockington who started this phenomenal organization, organs and tissue donation. This issue has even greater value when you hear their beautiful story.
The mission of the John Brockington Foundation is to create a culture in which organ donation is commonplace; to provide financial and resource support for those donating, awaiting, and/or receiving organs; and to promote health education to minority communities who are disproportionately represented on the transplant waiting list.
Former Charger and Giant, Pete Shaw was there to support his friends,

"John and Diane Brockington are very close personal friends of mine
if you don't know their story, Diane donated one of her kidneys to John and they wound up getting married it's one of the greatest love stories ever made
her donating her organ to John helped save his life……………..
If it helps save lives and it did save a friend of mine's, I'm all in!"

Celebrations
Congratulations to Meb Keflezighi the 2014 Boston Marathon winner, the first American to win since 1983 and what an amazing thing especially after last years bombings, grateful it was a smooth day for all. NFL’s Daniel Jeremiah has ties as well, his brother-in-law and Meb are best friends, they train together in Mammoth, CA.  I know a little stretch, but he was in the wedding.
Happy 100^th Birthday Wrigley’s Field with numerous historical moments in baseball along with football ties as most of you know, the Chicago Bears we’re there from 1921-1970. CBS Sports, Matt Snyder put out a fun piece on what facts you might not know, definitely worth a gander.
One more special occasion, Colts LB, Andy Studebaker and wife Mallory welcomed home their new baby girl.

Thankful to bring home another girl this weekend! I'm way outnumbered and I love it! pic.twitter.com/x7imTxOFqz
— Andy Studebaker (@studie32) April 21, 2014

Its Starting!
Phase 1; this week 19 teams started voluntary workouts on April 21. Followed by the same versed sound bites, but it has commenced. One reminder per the Collective Bargaining Agreement,

"Phase One activities shall be limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only. ... No footballs shall be permitted to be used (only "dead ball" activities), except that quarterbacks may elect to throw to receivers provided they are not covered by any other player. Players cannot wear helmets during Phase One."

Who started;  Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
Next stop the Radio City Music Hall, may 8^th thru the 10^th, the delay this year due to scheduling conflicts however the NFL will continue to calendar the event in May in the future. What does the extra few weeks time do for teams, is it good or is there too much attention to the 6^th-7^th round now? I guess we will find out. Some bold predictions hover now with Johnny "Football"Manziel one that Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys will take him if available at 16^th, another that he will win 9 games as a starting QB, somewhere? Clowney stays on top of the board however, that hasn’t changed, but any given Sunday.

Every team. Every week. Every game. 2014 NFL Schedule: http://t.co/csAs6CW2xn #NFLSchedule pic.twitter.com/kbIJsc9Edd
— NFL (@nfl) April 24, 2014

  Schedule, YES!! Yahoo! It’s here! The 2014 schedule for all 32 NFL teams was released Wednesday at 8 PM EST and yes, if you forgot, Saturday as you know are back! Along with Flex games as early as week 5, incept from NFL.com, The "cross flex" mechanism will serve a similar purpose. Select games can be flexed between CBS and FOX. In the past, a game with two NFC teams had to be on FOX and a game with two AFC teams had to be on CBS. Now, the league can theoretically move an all-NFC game to CBS or an all-AFC game to FOX in select cases. This will help balance out the television schedule, especially in a week where one network has all the most intriguing games. Protocol remains the same and in the hands of The NFL in decision making factors after consultations with the TV Networks.
Season opener with a bit of deja vu as we've known the SB48 Champions the Seattle Seahawks would host at Century Link field, however its become a reunion game vs the Green Bay Packers, the game that brought the replacement refs situation to a stop. Many variables will of course be different; one that stands out is that that the receiver of the controversial catch, Golden Tate, will be in Detroit.
Sunday, August 3, 2014 ,NFL Hall Of Fame Game. Wide receiver , Andre Reed  (who played for the Bills for 15 of his 16 years) along with defensive end, Michael Strahan (who spent his entire 15 year career with the Giants) will both be inducted for the 2014 HOF, a special special night !
Thats a wrap for this week!
Remember Earth Day is and can be every day, reduce, reuse, recycle, replenish and restore. Let's all protect our world!
Desiree

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. TheDesireeSHOW

Vaughan and Burse connect while impress at NFLPA BOWL

Dustin Vaughan and Isaiah Burse made an impact at the StubHub Center playing for Dick Vermeil's National Team.  Both seniors with their prospective accolades, eleven wins and drawing the attention from all the recruiters while trying to get to the next phase of their careers.

Dustin Vaughan under center for NFLPA Bowl photo ©desireeastorga.com

West Texas A&M's (11-3), Dustin Vaughan caught the eye of NFL Scouts at the NFLPA BOWL all week during practice and Saturdays game along with NFLDraftScout.com as one of the five standouts.  The 6'5, 220 pound Corpus Christ native shines as he looks ahead to the NFL draft.  Things they liked, his frame, functional mobility in the pocket and big arm.

One small-school standout at #NFLPABowl was @wtathletics QB Dustin Vaughan. http://t.co/LMtxvpCm87 Good #NFL size, strong arm. #NFLDraft
— Ron Clements (@Ron_Clements) January 21, 2014

At Calallen High School an all-state academic selection, who contributed to the basketball program along with aiding on his baseball team to a class 4A State championship.Vaughan not only excels on the field but in the classroom, the two-time Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America selection and the Division II College Football Academic All-American of the Year in 2012-13.  The Biology major and pre-Med Vaughan earned the prestigious honor of being named to AFCA All-American Team in mid December while becoming the 10^th player in VT history.  The Harlon Hill Finalist has played 30 games with 25 starts and has 70 TD's with 19 INT's.   He has thrown for 8,124 yards making him the third-most in Buffs history.  He set the national D-II record for passing yards in a season with 5,401, breaking the mark of 5,207 set by Eric Czerniewski of Central Missouri in 2010.

Coming in as a DII sleeper with forecasted projections ranking Vaughan at 26th QB in the NFL Draft.  It’s not surprising that the bright talented QB has his team always at the forefront.

“Just the fact of putting so much work and effort into something such as football, that’s where a lot of guys receive their motivation, being able to work for something that you desire, not only individually but as a team,” Vaughan said. “I know there’s a lot of guys that, although they’re not going to be there receiving these accolades, they think in the back of their minds that they had a lot to do with it, which they absolutely did. This team has been amazing; it’s been an amazing 4½ years that I’ve had here.”

Isaiah Burse at NFLPA Bowl photo ©desireeastorga.com

Although only a handful of throws for Vaughan at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, one strong target also grabbing scouts attention was (11-2) Fresno State's, Isaiah Burse.  The Bulldog WR making an impression all season with QB Derek Carr and added 91 yards for the National teams win. Big heads up on Isaiah, his passion for the game and fearlessness on the field are not going unnoticed.

Utah State's head Coach Matt Wells raved prior to their match up.

"I don't look at depth," Wells said of the Bulldogs trio of wide outs, (Josh Harper, Davante Adams and Isaiah Burse) "but I do look at talent and they have three guys who can G-O.  Fresno State's wide receivers are like the globetrotters on grass."

Fresno's slot WR Isaiah Burse is a little baller too. Undersized but fearless over middle, quick pluck and some wiggle. Hungry too! #sleeper
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) January 16, 2014

The 6-0, 187 pound Modesto wide receiver and return man was selected as Honorable Mention All-Mountain Conference for 2013 and NFL draft projections land him 44 of 430 WR's.  His return skills definitely merit a higher rank lending an extra asset to land a job on special teams.  He chose Fresno State because of the program and the people (however he was also recruited by Arizona, Oregon and Kansas State).  The criminology correction major admires Mark Dobbins because he’s a standup guy and his brother who is always pushing him to do the right thing.

2013 receiving stats 99 for 1026 yards 6 TDs, along with 9 rushing attempts for 81 yards and 2 TD's.  At the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, 5 for 39 yards and 1 TD.

Keep an eye out for these two prospects as the NFL Draft nears.

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