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

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.

.@Chargers head coach Mike McCoy is on with @JimRome tonight at 6 PM ET from #ChargersCamp pic.twitter.com/R6muAYIgED
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) July 30, 2014

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.

All the best photos from Day 7 of #ChargersCamp: http://t.co/VlOCuWMNEy pic.twitter.com/LC6clSVMPU
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) July 31, 2014

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!

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

 

CHARGERS MOVING THE CHAINS

 NEW CHARGER ERA

Buzzing all week, or at least the last few weeks, with the changing of the guards.  

The firing of Norv and AJ,

A Wildcard weekend, 

straight to a new GM 

Tom Tellesco 

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Exclusive-Interview-with-Tom-Telesco/041d0821-51a4-4ba0-9df0-abe62ce85244

Divisional Rounds, another intermission and 

yesterday after flying out Broncos Offensive Coordinator Monday and meetings with many candidates, leaving Bruce Arians scheduled for Wednesday to go to the wayside.

Chargers introduced new HC Mike McCoy.

                                              Photo credit:  Chargers

After picking him up in the jet, they wouldn't let him leave and I know why now!

All I can say is that at 2:00 I was glued to the radio to hear the press.

Wow was I awed, excited and heart warmed.  

Family!! ( Love it!! and if your not familiar with the employees of this organization, people stay, it is a family, not just owned by a family.  Which to me is the best barometer of any business, people that stay!)   

I got buzzed listening to and marveled in rehashing it all in my brain, all the details......food, round pegs in round holes, hope, passion, it didn't sound like the typical versed press conferences it was too true to be versed.  The mentioning of his roller of books and notes, prep......I'm still amping on it!

Big big smiles..............

If you haven't had a chance to listen to the entire press conference, its on Chargers.com 

http://www.chargers.com/media-vault/videos/115-Mike-McCoy-News-Conference/7f0b55d8-42d1-492e-92f6-8ecca62218e6

Definitely worth a listen, you've heard bits and pieces that were highlighted, but do your self a favor and take a listen.

Congratulations to the Chargers!!

Welcome to San Diego

Tom Tellesco and Mike McCoy

Do we have a new trend with same initials in the future??

I KNOW THEIRS HOPE!

QUICK HITS; Bumpin in San Diego

QUICK HITS; 

#Chargers meeting with Denver offensive coord Mike McCoy today. Who is known for his QB relations, taking Jake Delhomme, Tim Tebow and Peyton Manning to the playoffs.

It's being reported by Sports Illustrator's Jim Trotter that, Jimmy Raye now former Charger director of player personnel (that was supposedly a shoe in for the GM position now moves on) hired by the Indianapolis Colts and  takes Tom Tellesco's position (vice president of football operations).

More Indianapolis San Diego connections; Bruce Arians (Colt's interim HC & Offensive coord) interview moved to Wednesday.  

And later today a recap of the amazing Divisional Playoffs this last weekend, Im taking good football!!  

Then there were FOUR!

CHARGERS BUSY INTERVIEWING HC CANDIDATES

RUMORS / NEWS LOOMING IN SAN DIEGO FOR THE HUNT OF A NEW HEAD COACH

It's being reported that the #Chargers are underway with interviews with a host of candidates.

GUS BRADLEY:  Current Seahawks D-coord, was interviewed yesterday.

LOVIE SMITH:  Former HC Chicago Bears in SD today.

KEN WHISENHUNT  Former HC Arizona Cardinals tomorrow.

BRUCE ARIANS expected to meet on Monday.

Also in the mix of words speculations or truths are two coordinators in Cincinnati
Jay Gruden  (Bengals Offensive Coord) and
Mike Zimmer  (Bengals D-Coord)

Along with possibility of Broncos Offensive Coord MIKE MCCOY.

Dean Spanos announced that it would be at least a week, (depending on how some teams fair in the NFL Playoffs),  just after the press to introduce new GM Tom Telesco. http://xeprs.stats.com/fb/story.asp?i=20130109141248571644708&ref=rec&tm=24&src=NFL

It appears their are almost split; defensive and offensive minded coaches being saught out.

I honestly would love to see a Defensive minded coach come in, Jack del Rio ( Broncos D coord, former Trojan) but his name hasn't been mentioned, however lots of talk about someone with strong QB collaboration to give a leg back up to a somewhat damaged Phillip Rivers and to bring him back to fruition.

Who are your top picks?
and why?

Also, reported Norv Turner becomes Browns Offensive Coordinator today.