Chargers Start Fresh in 2010
January 17 marked a disappointing Sunday for the San Diego Chargers, and bolt fans across the country. The 17-14 playoff loss to the New York Jets resulted in an abrupt halt to a successful 13-3 season. Days after the match-up, members and staff of the 2009 AFC West Champion Chargers team, shared their feelings toward the season and their hopes for the future.
Playoff Upset
Reflecting on the playoff loss, Head Coach Norv Turner commented, “We were matched up against a very good team and they played awfully well.” When asked to shed light on what happened during the game, quarterback Philip Rivers explained “We did some things uncharacteristic of ourselves that hurt us [and] we didn’t play our best.” Rivers went on the share his disappointment in the season-ending loss. “The thing about playoff football that makes it so tough is when you lose, it sticks with you a little longer.” Chargers Linebacker Stephen Cooper shared in the dismay. “The opportunity was there for us to go win a Super Bowl... We are just disappointed to be sitting at home watching somebody else play for the Super Bowl when we thought it was going to be ours.” Bolt fans feel the same way, as former Charger Drew Brees and The New Orleans Saints take on The Colts in south Florida February 7th While sulking may be easier than moving on, the Chargers staff, team and supporters are already looking forward to what the franchise can accomplish in the future.
Looking Forward to the 2010 Season
Turner, whose contract was renewed through 2013, believes that the future for the Chargers is outstanding, saying, “This team is capable of coming back and putting our selves in a position to make a run at it.” While it is uncertain if players like Merriman, Jackson, Sproles and even LT will be donning the Charger blue and gold next year, General Manager A.J. Smith did his best to reassure weary fans. “We still have a lot of guys coming back,” Smith said. “We know a lot of contracts are up and a lot of guys are going to be restricted, but I think a lot of the same faces will be back here next year.” The Chargers must continue to improve as they are scheduled to take on the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals at Qualcomm Stadium in 2010. Next season may be one of the final years for Chargers at “The Q,” as recent developments in building a stadium downtown have made the project something that could go on the ballot as early as 2012.
Downtown Stadium
While many of the details are still being worked out by those supporting the new stadium, we do know the proposed location and the reasons why downtown was chosen over sites in Chula Vista, Escondido and Oceanside. Mark Fabiana, special council to the Charger’s president, explained that the downtown location already has all of the infrastructure necessary. “We wouldn’t have to build a single parking structure, expand a single road or freeway... [and the location is] already in a redevelopment area.” He went on to say that public transportation is also already in place, which significantly reduces the cost of the project. Soil on the proposed site, bound by Imperial Avenue & 14th and 16th & K Streets, is far from being broken. However, Fabiana remains optimistic for the project’s continuing developments. “The odds are against us, but we’re not going to stop trying. We’re prepared to stick with it and we’re committed to [getting] something done.”
Players’ Plans for Off-Season
During the off-season, Chargers team members, including LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers, will be doing good for the San Diego community. Tomlinson’s Touching Lives Foundation offers a variety of programs “designed to promote educational, social and cultural awareness and positive self-esteem to enhance the lives of children, families and communities.” Rivers will continue serving as President of the Rivers of Hope Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping “orphaned children find permanent loving homes and their own sense of self-worth.” Their dedication to the San Diego community is inspiring and sure to keep them busy throughout the off-season. Nevertheless, Rivers is already looking forward to the 2010 season, saying, “You [want] to be at the top each and every year, do the things you want to do every game, and never lose... it’s unrealistic to think that will happen but as competitors and as players we [will] gear back up and go at it again next year.
by Ashleigh Martinez
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