CHARGERS: Training camp preview
By MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
Five reasons why the Chargers will be in the Super Bowl
1. Have you seen that schedule?
The Chargers play only four teams that had winning records last year and have eight games against teams that won four or fewer games.
2. The AFC West Division rivals
Denver, Oakland and Kansas City are so bad that sweeping the six games could lead to homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.
3. The ladder theory
Teams often take playoff steps before reaching the Super Bowl. The Chargers finally advanced to the AFC title game last season after first-round exits in 2004 and 2006.
4. LaDainian Tomlinson's on the team
An elite player like this has to make the Super Bowl at some point, doesn't he?
5. A trio of defensive stars
Defense wins championships and three different defenders ---- DT Jamal Williams, OLB Shawne Merriman and CB Antonio Cromartie ---- can claim to be among the top three in the NFL at their respective positions.
Five reasons why the Chargers won't be in the Super Bowl
1. The New England Patriots
The team that has eliminated the Chargers from the playoffs in each of the past two seasons and demolished them in last year's regular season is still a member of the AFC.
2. Peyton Manning's mad
The legendary Indianapolis quarterback will have major motivation on his side if these teams meet in the postseason after he was picked off eight times in two games against the Chargers last season.
3. Rash of injuries
Pro Bowl-caliber players Antonio Gates and Nick Hardwick are still banged up from last season. What if they don't return to form this year and other key players also go down?
4. LaDainian Tomlinson's on the team
An elite player like this isn't guaranteed a Super Bowl appearance. Just ask Dan Fouts and Kellen Winslow.
5. If reaching the 10 continues to be a bad thing
Remember how the Chargers settled for four field goals in the AFC title game? That capped a season-long trend of struggling close to the goal-line ---- the Chargers' 31.4 completion percentage inside the 10 ranked last in the NFL.
Veteran arrivals
C Jeremy Newberry, 11-year veteran spent last season with Oakland
T L.J. Shelton, 10-year veteran spent past two seasons with Miami
ILB Derek Smith, 12-year veteran spent past seven seasons with San Francisco
Rookie arrivals
CB Antoine Cason, first-round pick
RB Jacob Hester, third-round pick
RB Marcus Thomas, fifth-round pick
CB DeJuan Tribble, sixth-round pick
T Corey Clark, seventh-round pick
Key departures
CB Drayton Florence, left as free agent
S Marlon McCree, released
FB Lorenzo Neal, released
T Shane Olivea, released
RB Michael Turner, left as free agent
Unofficial depth chart
Offense
WR Chris Chambers?Craig Davis?Malcom Floyd
LT Marcus McNeill?L.J. Shelton
LG Kris Dielman?Scott Mruczkowski
C Nick Hardwick*?Jeremy Newberry?Cory Withrow
RG Mike Goff?Scott Mruczkowski
RT Jeromey Clary?L.J. Shelton?
TE Antonio Gates?Brandon Manumaleuna?Scott Chandler
WR Vincent Jackson?Legedu Naanee?Eric Parker
QB Philip Rivers?Billy Volek?Charlie Whitehurst
RB LaDainian Tomlinson?Darren Sproles?Marcus Thomas
FB Andrew Pinnock?Jacob Hester
Defense
DE Igor Olshansky?Ryon Bingham
DT Jamal Williams?Brandon McKinney
DE Luis Castillo?Jacques Cesaire
OLB Shaun Phillips?Marques Harris?Jyles Tucker
ILB Stephen Cooper#?Derek Smith?Brandon Siler
ILB Matt Wilhelm?Tim Dobbins?Anthony Waters
OLB Shawne Merriman?Marques Harris
CB Quentin Jammer?Cletis Gordon
SS Clinton Hart?Paul Oliver
FS Eric Weddle?Steve Gregory
CB Antonio Cromartie?Antoine Cason
Specialists
K Nate Kaeding
P Mike Scifres
LS David Binn
* not expected to be ready for the start the season because of injury.
# will miss first four games of season due to suspension for testing positive for a banned substance.
Five training camp storylines
Antonio Gates' toe
The star tight end had offseason surgery and his availability for the start of the season has yet to be determined.
Nick Hardwick's foot
With apologies to Pro Bowl guard Kris Dielman, it is the person who lines up next to him at center who remains the most important cog on the line. Hardwick could miss the first month of the season after offseason surgery.
Replacing Michael Turner
When LaDainian Tomlinson needs to take a breather, will everybody else be holding their breath? Turner's departure via free agency leaves a big hole, and it will be up to Darren Sproles and rookies Jacob Hester and Marcus Thomas to soften Turner's loss.
Stephen Cooper's suspension
The team's leading tackler will miss the first four games of the regular season after testing positive for a banned substance. That makes training camp an important time for new acquisition Derek Smith ---- penciled in to start during Cooper's absence ---- in terms of blending in with his new teammates.
Cornerback depth
Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer are top-notch starters, and the hope is that first-round pick Antoine Cason can immediately be the solid third corner that Drayton Florence was over the second half of last season. Speedy Cletis Gordon will also get a long look.
Five players to keep an eye on
Antoine Cason
First-round pick was a shut-down corner in college and has the talent to be an NFL star.
Marcus Thomas
Rookie running back was under the radar at Texas-El Paso but could emerge as LaDainian Tomlinson's backup.
Craig Davis
Like many rookie receivers, he struggled a bit in his first NFL season. He's under less pressure this season and could up his performance.
Derek Smith
Signed to provide depth, the veteran linebacker will be a pivotal player the first month while Stephen Cooper serves a suspension.
Anthony Waters
The linebacker missed last season because of a college knee injury, but the team remains high on his potential. He's healthy now.
Key training camp dates
July 20: Rookies and select veterans report
July 24: Full squad reports
July 25: First full-squad practices
Aug. 2: FanFest at Qualcomm Stadium
Aug. 9: Preseason home game vs. Dallas, 7 p.m.
Aug.16: Preseason game at St. Louis, 5 p.m.
Aug. 23: Team breaks training camp
Aug. 25: Preseason home game vs. Seattle, 5 p.m.
Aug. 26: Roster reduced to 75 players
Aug. 29: Preseason game at San Francisco, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30: Roster reduced to 53 players
Regular season
Date?Opponent?Time?TV?Comment
Sunday, Sept. 7?Carolina?1:15 p.m.?Fox?Panthers make second visit to San Diego; other visit was in 1997.
Sunday, Sept. 14?at Denver?1:15 p.m.?CBS?Chargers have won two straight in Denver for first time since 1967-68.
Monday, Sept. 22?New York Jets?5:30 p.m.?ESPN?Jets beat Chargers in 2004 playoffs in last trip to San Diego.
Sunday, Sept. 28?at Oakland?1:05 p.m.?CBS?Al Davis has gone on spending spree hoping to turn around fortunes.
Sunday, Oct. 5?at Miami?10 a.m.?CBS?Chargers have lost six consecutive games to Dolphins since 1994 playoff victory.
Sunday, Oct. 12?New England?5:15 p.m.?NBC?That nationally televised Sunday night contest didn't go so well for Chargers last season.
Sunday, Oct. 19?at Buffalo?10 a.m.?CBS?Chargers get break by visiting Bills before harsh winter weather arrives.
Sunday, Oct. 26?vs. New Orleans at London?10 a.m.?CBS?Saints QB Drew Brees says he'll be highly motivated against former team.
Sunday, Nov. 2?Bye??Break will be needed after week-long stay in London and long flight home.
Sunday, Nov. 9?Kansas City?1:15 p.m.?CBS?Home loss to Chiefs was low point of Chargers' 2007 season.
Sunday, Nov. 16?at Pittsburgh?1:15 p.m.?CBS?Chargers haven't won in Pittsburgh since 1994 AFC title game upset.
Sunday, Nov. 23?Indianapolis?5:15 p.m.?NBC?Antonio Cromartie picked off Peyton Manning three times at Qualcomm last November.
Sunday, Nov. 30?Atlanta?1:05 p.m.?Fox?Former Charger Michael Turner gets opportunity to rumble against his old teammates.
Thursday, Dec. 4?Oakland?5:15 p.m.?NFL Network?Short turnaround for Chargers' first contest on the NFL Network.
Sunday, Dec. 14?at Kansas City?10 a.m.?CBS?A 10-day break between games in December will feel like summer vacation for some players.
Sunday, Dec. 21?at Tampa Bay?5:15 p.m.?NBC?Chargers play in Tampa for first time since 1993; they are 7-1 all-time vs. Bucs.
Sunday, Dec. 28?Denver?1:15 p.m.?CBS?Likely the final NFL game for Broncos safety John Lynch, a Torrey Pines High grad.
Fan's guide
FanFest 2008
The Chargers will practice at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. when the players will be available to sign autographs for fans 14 and under. The Charger Girls will also perform before the practice.
Public practices at Chargers Park
Friday, July 25 (4-6 p.m.)
Saturday, July 26 (9-10:45 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.)
Sunday, July 27 (4-6 p.m.)
Monday, July 28 (4-6 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 29 (4-6 p.m.)
Thursday, July 31 (4-6 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 1 (4-6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Aug. 5 (4-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 6* (7-9:20 p.m.)
Monday, Aug. 11 (4-6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Aug. 12 (4-6 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 14 (4-6 p.m.)
* players available to sign autographs for fans 14 and younger beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Where to park
Parking on Murphy Canyon Road is allowed on weekends but not on weekdays. For weekday practices, fans are asked to park on the street behind the Holiday Inn, located at 3805 Murphy Canyon Road. For weekend and night practices, parking is available in the PS Business Center south of Chargers Park.
The setting
-- The Chargers use two practice fields that run north and south, so the bleachers located to the west of the far field is the best place to be close to action. Fans are also allowed to stroll along the fence that runs around the perimeter of the practice fields.
-- If you get hungry or thirsty, there is a concession stand on the premises. Team merchandise is available for purchase.
What you can bring
-- Beach chairs, snacks and coolers containing soft drinks and water are allowed.
-- Hats and sunscreens are recommended.
What you can't bring
-- Alcoholic beverages aren't allowed.
-- Video cameras, pets and weapons aren't allowed.
---- Mike Sullivan
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