Photo by Kayla Yap
More than 5,100 fans showed up to Chargers Park on Saturday to watch the teams first public practice of the 2012 training camp. With several off-season trades and pick ups, Bolt fans were anxious to see the new and old faces on the field.
What’s new on the offense?
With the departure of fan favorite Vincent Jackson, the Chargers were forced to rebuild their receiving corps. There has been an off-season buzz about receiver Robert Meachem joining the Chargers, and on Saturday, he showed the fans why he will thrive with Philip Rivers. Meachem’s athleticism and strength will be a solid fit with the Charger’s offense. In addition to Meachem’s arrival to San Diego, fans are looking forward to the contribution of veteran receivers Eddie Royal (Broncos), Michael Spurlock (Buccaneers) and Roscoe Parrish (Bills) to see who will be able to hang with Antonio Gates, Malcolm Floyd and Vincent Brown.
What’s new with the defense?
It’s been said that the Chargers defense is weak, soft and inconsistent. If “defense wins championships” then it’s time the Bolts put their foot down and define themselves. Charger fans are hoping first-round pick, Melvin Ingram, will be an immediate difference maker. Ingram had a few hard hits on Saturday, and after each hit, thousands of fans are Chargers Park erupted with excitement. Almost a breath of fresh air.
Another addition to the 2012 Chargers team is veteran outside linebacker Jarrett Johnson. Johnson’s durability and hard-nosed style of play may be just what this defense was missing. Johnson compliments a group of linebackers that includes Shaun Phillips, Antwan Barnes and Larry English. The combination of strength, discipline and Takeo Spike’s leadership, Chargers fans are hopeful that this defense will bring us home a championship.
It’s time to break out.
Who will be the one to have a break out year? Although many people believe Philip Rivers made Vincent Jackson a Pro-Bowl caliber receiver, the bottom line is, the Chargers lost an important part of their offense when VJ left. But don’t worry bolt fans, Vincent Brown could be the answer. Last year, Brown showed us a glimpse that he was able to step up to the task and deliver. At training camp on Saturday, Brown consistently stood out, making acrobatic, athletic catches.
The bottom line is, with the Chargers last playoff appearance being in 2010 and the headlines consuming Peyton Manning’s arrival in Denver, the San Diego Chargers are overlooked. They are the underdog and expectations around the league are low, but this is the perfect time for the bolts to strike. It’s time for the Chargers to take control of the AFC West. It’s time for some football!
