San Diego meets Surrey
by Michael E Lawrence
24/10/2008
 
Notes and quotes San Diego Charger Practice
 
Your intrepid Diner found itself at yet another five-star location this morning (we parked the Toyota out the back), having a look-see at Chargers practice and hanging with the likes of All Pro TE Antonio Gates, special teams ace Legedu Naanee and Pro Bowl CB Antonio Cromartie (click on their names for exclusive Diner photos and interviews with each). See the rest of the day's action in our Chargers Diner Photo Gallery.
 

 
Word on the field was that the Chargers practices here have been as intense and focused as any sessions all season. San Diego's nattily attired PR man Jamaal LaFrance told us:
 
“Coming here has been like another minicamp for this team and the last few days have been some of the most spirited days of practice we've had all year.”
 
One area where the Chargers have already outdone the Saints is in the hotel stakes – while the Saints have been living it up in one wing of an illustrious Hertfordshire resort, the Chargers went one further – and hired the whole thing.
 
To think, they could have had the Diner's front room for half the price.
 
“We thought we'd go the whole way with that,” said LaFrance, “but it's been great for the team because it's a chance to get away and regroup.”
 
Notable sights on the practice field this morning included:

• Luis Castillo and the rest of the defensive line unit being put through their paces on countless snap drills

• K Nate Kaeding nailing field goal after field goal in special teams drills

• Ever-chatty LB Shaun Philips and fellow linebackers singing London-themed songs out loud while warming up, and ribbing Chargers' sideline staff while he was at it

• LT at the centre of team stretching drills not noticeably feeling the effects of his ongoing turf toe injury

• A very relaxed looking Philip Rivers throwing tight spirals to receivers Vincent Jackson, Naanee and Malcolm Floyd and kidding around with mighty mite RB/KR Darren Sproles

Find out what the players think of Sunday's game, the UK and other hot potatoes in our exclusive interviews below:
 
Further Diner Coverage of Wembley 2008:
Antonio Gates Interview
Legedu Naanee Interview
Antonio Cromartie Interview
Chargers Practise Gallery
 
Drew Brees Press Conference
Sean Payton Press Conference
Notes and titbits from Saints Practice
Saints Practise Gallery