FanFest brings festive atmosphere to Qualcomm

Throughout their first week of training camp, Chargers players and coaches continually discussed how excited they are about the upcoming season. Apparently they’re not the only ones. More than 20,000 Chargers faithful showed up at Qualcomm Stadium to mingle with the players and watch a two-hour scrimmage during Saturday’s FanFest - presented by Bud Light.

“We all feel great about our football team and it’s nice to see that our fans do as well,” quarterback Philip Rivers said.  “They came out today and showed their strong support like they always do.  That fuels the fire and makes us that much more ready for the season to get here.”

Chargers fans spent roughly an hour greeting their favorite players before getting to watch the team go through an intense practice in full pads.

“The best part of the day was when Antonio Gates signed my hat and stopped to talk to me,” said 11-year-old La Mesa resident Timmy Adkins.  “All the players were so nice. I got right up next to my favorite Chargers.”

 

Practicing in Qualcomm Stadium with a large number of fans on hand gave Head Coach Norv Turner an opportunity to put his team through various game scenarios as the team spent the entire practice in team situations. 

 

“We wanted to give everybody, coaches and players, veterans and young guys a game-type atmosphere,” Turner said. “We got through all of our special teams. We tried to get through a variety of situations that we’re going to have to handle, and I thought our guys responded well.” 

 

 

Perhaps the most impressive individual at Saturday’s practice was rookie wide receiver Craig Davis. With Eric Parker (toe surgery), Vincent Jackson (lower leg) and Kassim Osgood (hamstring) all out of action, Davis took a large quantity of reps and made the most of them. 

 

For the first time this summer, Davis worked exclusively with the first-team offense in the base package. On the first series of practice, Rivers hit his newest target on a corner route for a 37-yard gain. He came back to him for a 23-yard pickup across the middle. 

 

On the final series of the afternoon, Turner ran a two-minute drill that pushed the offense to manage the clock and go 80 yards for a game-winning score. With seven seconds left in the period, Rivers threw the ball up for grabs in the back of the end zone and Davis came down with it amongst several defenders. 

 

Watching from the sideline, defensive end Luis Castillo commented from the sideline, “I thought that was (Antonio) Gates that got that high.” Defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell called for someone to check Davis’ shoes.

 

“That was about a 42 (inch vertical leap),” Davis said. “I didn’t even jump that high at the Combine. I told (Gates) when I came back to the sideline, ‘I think I got up higher than you did on that one against Denver.’”

Davis was referring to Gates’ Week 14 touchdown catch over John Lynch. 

 

On Friday, Davis missed practice with a sore knee, and Turner pointed out that his young pupil has responded well after having to sit out a bit.

 

“He made a couple of big plays,” Turner said. “He’s had some nicks and missed a day or two but when he’s come back he’s responded and made big plays.”

When questioned about Davis being motivated by the opportunity he’s received following Parker’s operation, Turner chalked it up to Davis simply being a talented young player.

 

“Regardless of Eric’s situation, Craig has come in here and been impressive from the start,” Turner said. “We want to get Eric back as soon as we can, but Craig is going to be a factor on our football team.”

 

In addition to Parker, Osgood and Jackson, others missing practice included linebacker Anthony Waters, safety Tra Battle, linebacker Brandon Siler and safety Miguel Merrick. Turner expects Jackson to return to practice Monday.

 

A year ago, kicker Nate Kaeding took center stage at FanFest when he went a perfect eight-for-eight on field goal attempts, including a 60-yarder to wrap up practice. The Pro Bowler was at it again Saturday, nailing 11-of-11 tries. He finished by splitting the uprights from 58 yards out. 

 

While Kaeding has diligently worked on his own throughout the week, Saturday was his first live work of this year’s training camp. The team regularly uses a JUGS machine during special teams drills to save Kaeding’s leg.

 

“This was a nice start,” Kaeding said. “It’s always good to get back in the Stadium and get a good feel for things.”

 

At the conclusion of Saturday’s practice, Turner released his players and told them he’d see them Monday morning. No meetings are scheduled for Saturday evening or Sunday. 

 

“They’ve earned this break,” Turner said. “They need a break. They’ve worked hard. We came back yesterday afternoon and had a really physical practice and I think we got a lot done this morning.”

 

During camp, all players are required to stay in a team hotel, but veterans will be free to go home Saturday night. 

 

“On top of enjoying the physical break, I’m really looking forward to spending time with my wife and little girl,” said defensive tackle Ryon Bingham. “My own bed is going to be awfully comfortable tonight.”