2014 Training Camp Observations Thread

[thelightningwill]

MM got on the team today about not working hard enough. That's a tough man.

That's Coach McCoy. Bitches better recognize.

[Formula 21]

Te'o back practicing with Chargers teammates
Posted: Jun 09, 2014 4:02 PM PST Updated: Jun 09, 2014 7:57 PM PST

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leads some of his offensive teammates to a drill during an NFL football organized team activity Monday, June 9, 2014, in San Diego. San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers leads some of his offensive teammates to a drill during an NFL football organized team activity Monday, June 9, 2014, in San Diego.
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San Diego Chargers

SAN DIEGO (AP) - Manti Te'o is back practicing with the San Diego Chargers instead of working on a side field.

"It's way better than running gassers, that's for sure," the inside linebacker said Monday, when the Chargers started their third and final week of organized team activities, which are practices in shorts, jerseys and helmets.

Until Monday, Te'o had been working on a side field with other players recovering from injuries. He had surgery on his right foot in late January.

"I'm very confident coming into the off-season and today was a great day to be out with the guys," he said.

His rookie season got off to a slow start after he injured his foot in the exhibition opener. At the time, the team said it was a sprain but after the season, Te'o said it was a stress fracture.

"It's getting there," the former Notre Dame star said. "Today was my first day out and it felt pretty good and we are going to continue to work and get better so I'm not taking any steps back."

Asked to what extent the injury bothered him last year, he said: "Every NFL player, you are never fully healthy. You just make sure you are able to do what you got to do on Sundays and I was able to do what I was able to do and now I'm looking forward to this year with a year under my belt and it will be good."

After missing the first three regular-season games, Te'o started the final 14 games, plus the two playoff games. He was credited with 93 tackles in the regular season.

Te'o said he's about four or five pounds lighter than last season.

"I'm a little lighter than I was last year," he said. "A lot of people think I'm heavier because I'm bigger. I feel good. I feel in control and that is something as a football player that is very, very important."

He said he wanted to get "more explosive and stronger. Obviously, it was a little tricky with my foot so we really focused on the muscles around it and got the work necessary and when my foot stated to progress and get better, I was able to do more things with my feet. Everything is a process and now I can start focusing on other things: my drops, getting out of breaks and closing speed and all that good stuff. It is a very exciting time."

After practice, coach Mike McCoy aired out his team for several minutes. At one point, he invoked the loss at Denver in the divisional round of the playoffs.

"We set a standard around here for what's acceptable and what's not," McCoy said later. "There are certain things you like and certain things you don't like."

Tight end Antonio Gates hasn't been at the practices that have been open to the media.

McCoy wouldn't say if the absence was medical related.

"Gates is accountable for," the coach said.

....

[Beerman]

Te'o didn't really look all that muscular to me last year. Hopefully he turned some baby fat into muscle over the offseason.

I like that McCoy is on the guys in OTA's. Can't let up.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

What is Gates accountable for???

[Mister Hoarse]

Time to balance this accountables

[MakoShark]

What is Gates accountable for???

About 20% of our offense.

[Antonio's Gates]

Te'o didn't really look all that muscular to me last year. Hopefully he turned some baby fat into muscle over the offseason.

I like that McCoy is on the guys in OTA's. Can't let up.

oh temp072513_Practice_MN_129--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg

[Beerman]

I just remember not being very impressed when I saw him during combine drills. Him not benching is also a red flag that's he's not very strong. Usually players change significantly over their first year under a NFL strength program. It was huge for Green.

[Panama]

I just remember not being very impressed when I saw him during combine drills. Him not benching is also a red flag that's he's not very strong. Usually players change significantly over their first year under a NFL strength program. It was huge for Green.

All the indications out of OTAs is that he is bigger, lighter, and stronger. I'm eager to see how this translates to his play on the field.

[Beerman]

All the indications out of OTAs is that he is bigger, lighter, and stronger. I'm eager to see how this translates to his play on the field.

Would be nice if he can hit the hole with a bit more authority.

[Bolt-O]

Would be nice if he can hit the hole with a bit more authority.

It depends whether it's there or not really!

[Mister Hoarse]

It depends whether it's there or not really!

Well played, Sir.

Time to notify this authoritys

SOMEBODY REP THIS MAN!