Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday when we watched the New York Giants stun the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII?
Well, while it may be hard to believe that training camp is here, get ready to head out to Chargers Park and watch the 2008 San Diego Chargers.
Training camp opened July 25 for a team that many say could make its way to Tampa for the next Super Bowl on Feb. 1, 2009.
Finishing last season as AFC West champions at 11-5, the Chargers knocked off Tennessee in their first playoff game, then scored a big win on the road against the defending champion Indianapolis Colts. The season came to an end with a loss in New England.
The off-season saw some comings and goings for the Chargers, most notably the departure of backup running back Michael Turner, who signed a lucrative deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The team picked up inside linebacker Derek Smith from San Francisco, while adding first-round draft choice Antoine Cason (University of Arizona) at cornerback.
While losing Turner could be a factor, the Chargers return a substantial stable of talented players, including LaDainian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Philip Rivers, Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie.
Throw in the fact that the Chargers compete in one of the weakest divisions in the NFL (Kansas City, Denver and Oakland were a combined 15-33 in 2007), and you can see why optimism is high going into training camp.
But before the season officially kicks off on Sept. 7 at home against Carolina, Charger management and fans will likely acknowledge that the time for winning is now.
In all likelihood, New England will not be able to maintain its high level of play for years to come. Indianapolis also has some question marks on its team. The timing could be right for the Chargers, who are the third-winningest NFL franchise over the last four seasons, to capture the AFC and get to a Super Bowl or two.
If you are headed out to Chargers Park over the next couple of weeks, remember that bleacher seating is available for views of the entire practice field.
Throughout training camp, there will be visits from the 2008 Charger Girls as well as former players.
Parking around Chargers Park is limited. On weekdays, parking is available on the street behind (east of) the Holiday Inn located at 3805 Murphy Canyon Road. Overflow parking is available at the Holiday Inn. For weekend and night practices, parking is available in the PS Business Center south of Chargers Park. Parking on Murphy Canyon Road is allowed only on weekends. There is no shuttle service from the stadium.
On Saturday, Aug. 2, fans can check out FanFest 2008 at Qualcomm Stadium. Players, cheerleaders and more will be a part of the day, beginning at 10 a.m. The final open practice for the public is Thursday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m.
The Chargers’ preseason home schedule includes games against the Dallas Cowboys (Aug. 9) and Seattle Seahawks (ESPN Monday Night Football, Aug. 25), and tickets are still available for both games by logging onto www.Chargers.com or calling Ticketmaster at 619-220-TIXS.