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Zach Mettenberger Ready for "Awkward" Return to Tennessee

Saturday isn't just the Chargers' first preseason game of 2016, it also marks a reunion between quarterback Zach Mettenberger and his former team, the Tennessee Titans.

Mettenberger was claimed off waivers by the Chargers in May after a two-season stint in the Music City.

Think the quarterback looking at Saturday's game any differently? 

Not so fast.

"It's just another game," he said.  "Obviously, going back to your former team is always awkward, I guess, just hearing from other guys.  (But), our focus is about ourselves and not anything surrounding the game.  We're going in trying to get better, try to get some young guys some reps and hopefully get a win."

Animosity can be expected when a player is cut from the team that drafted him.  For Mettenberger, he's not coming into Saturday seeking revenge.  He's not looking to specifically prove the Titans wrong because he's trying to demonstrate his value day in and day out.

"I'm trying to prove (my worth) every day.  Anyone who is a competitor is like that.  Philip (Rivers) has been doing it for years and he's like that.  The circumstances are what they are so I'm going to go out there and do what I do."

Mettenberger did say he's looking forward to seeing some of his former teammates; however, he knows he has to stay focused and won't be distracted by the homecoming events.

"My first two years were there, and I made a lot of lifelong friends.  I'm excited to catch up face to face with them a little bit.  But, I have a job to do and that's to go out, execute our (plan) and try to beat them."

Part of what Mettenberger finds appealing in San Diego is being able to learn from Rivers.  Having not had an opportunity to be groomed and learn from a veteran quarterback while he was in Tennessee, the QB says he's soaking in as much knowledge as he can while he shares practices with Rivers.

"It's not even me trying to pick his brain; he's just an open book.  He's almost like an extra coach for a lot of us young guys.  That's a special thing to have; a guy who's out on the field playing who is also as knowledgeable as a coach.  It's one thing to be told something, but it's another to actually see him do it.  It's awesome.  I really have enjoyed learning from Philip."

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