Key plays, notes, quotes and more from Saturday's action.
Top Plays:
Travis Benjamin elicited cheers from the crowd with a one-handed snare.
Jason Verrett was able to stay with the speed of Benjamin to break up a pass.
Philip Rivers got the defense to jump offsides on a hard count, then took advantage by finding Benjamin deep.
Brandon Mebane penetrated up the middle and knocked down a Rivers pass attempt.
Sean Lissemore and Chuka Ndulue each had big run stuffs.
Melvin Gordon was able to cut back and take it the other way after it looked like he'd be stopped in the backfield.
Rookie Watch:
Jatavis Brown burst through the line of scrimmage for what would have been a sack of Kellen Clemens.
Brown later scooped up a loose ball on a botched snap for what would have been a touchdown return.
Joshua Perry had blanket coverage on Sean McGrath, knocking the ball into the hands of Adrian Phillips for an interception.
Derek Watt had a big block on a pitch to Branden Oliver to help spring the running back for a big gain.
Mike Bercovici dropped a dime to fellow rookie Jamal Jones in 7-on-7s.
Who Impressed:
Ricky Henne's Take: I wanted to see how Jatavis Brown and Joshua Perry fared in their first training camp practice, and they didn't disappoint. Brown's speed and playing ability were on display as he had a would-be sack, while Perry's tight coverage led to an Adrian Phillips interception. Speaking of Phillips, the safety continued his strong play from the offseason program. Finally, with the ground game a point of emphasis on both sides of the ball, the offense and defense each made impact plays during the rushing portion of the day.
Hayley Elwood's Take: The first day of training camp is like the first day of school. The pent up nerves turn into excitement the moment the players step out on the field. Action was aplenty on day one including safety Adrian Phillips intercepting a pass that was tipped by rookie inside linebacker Joshua Perry. Some more rookie action also included a leaping catch that wide receiver Jamaal Jones made off a pass from quarterback Mike Bercovici.
Odds and Ends:
The Chargers hosted a number of alumni, including Quentin Jammer, John Carney, Donnie Edwards and more.
Darius Philon got the start at defensive end with Joey Bosa absent.
Melvin Ingram eyed a young fan along the fence and invited him to break down the team huddle.
Over 2,000 fans were in attendance to help kick off Chargers Camp. The Bolts are back in action for another open practice tomorrow afternoon. Gates open at 2:00pm
Bolts Quotebook:
"Obviously we have a long way to go, but communication and crispness of in and out of the huddle felt like we had been working together for some time which is a positive." – QB Philip Rivers
"I'm feeling good, I got my feet back up under me. It's a long camp, so it's (important) to stay positive and keep focused." – WR Travis Benjamin
"I want to improve on the mental side of things…I'm just trying to keep a positive attitude no matter what happens and hopefully it'll turn into a good season for the team and me." – OLB Kyle Emanuel
"This is the time to learn (and) the time to prove why they brought me out here. Every day is going to be about working. I haven't proved anything and I definitely haven't earned anything yet so I have to go out there and do that." – ILB Joshua Perry
"I definitely feel more confident. I feel more confident about the playbook (and) I feel more confident about myself. I had a whole year to figure things out…so right now, it's about being out here trying to improve and bettering yourself for the team." – RB Melvin Gordon
"Just being able to see that we can create those turnovers gives everybody a sense of hunger just to go out there and fight. We started off really well today." – CB Jason Verrett
#ChargersCamp Fan Corner:
Top Photos:
Over 2,000 fans attended day one of Training Camp to cheer on the Bolts.
Coach Robert Garrett poses with Mark Ridley-Thomas (left) and Principal L. Remon Corley (right) at the NFL Don Shula Coach of the Year pep rally.
The Chargers present Crenshaw High School Football with a $15,000 check on behalf of the NFL Foundation.
Next generation Chargers fans show their support as we kick off Training Camp.
Members of the Crenshaw High School band perform at the NFL Don Shula Coach of the Year pep rally.
Overview of the NFL Don Shula Coach of the Year pep rally in honor of Crenshaw High School coach Robert Garrett.
CB Michael Davis | January 6, 1995
K Roberto Aguayo | May 17, 1994
OG Forrest Lamp | February 21, 1994
TE Hunter Henry | December 7, 1994
LB James Onwualu | September 4, 1994
WR Mike Williams | October 4, 1994
LB Jatavis Brown | February 18, 1994
OG Dan Feeney | May 29, 1994
K Nick Rose | May 5, 1994
OT Sam Tevi | November 15, 1994
Coach of the Year Robert Garrett's football on display at the NFL Don Shula Coach of the Year pep rally.
