SAN DIEGO -- A summer-long series of off-the-field storylines kept the San Diego Chargers in the news nationally.
They include star tight end Antonio Gates being suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. Along with that, foundational players Philip Rivers and Eric Weddle had very public contract discussions that raised the eyebrows of NFL observers, and the ongoing talk of the Chargers relocating to Los Angeles has fans on edge in this city.
Chargers general manager Tom Telesco hopes to put all of that stuff behind him when his team takes to the field Thursday. Players were scheduled to report to Chargers Park for physicals and on-field testing Wednesday.
"We just want to get back on the field and start playing football," Telesco told the team's website. "I think everyone in the city wants that, the fans want that and we want that. We're just excited about starting."
You can check out the dates for practices open to the public here.
Here are five storylines to watch for as the Chargers begin camp this week:
All eyes on Flash: Rookie running back Melvin Gordon looked the part during offseason work. But now San Diego's first-round draft pick, also known as Flash, has to make the transition from looking explosive running around in a helmet and shorts to making plays in fully-padded practices and exhibition games. The Chargers do not expect Gordon to shoulder the load offensively, just to do his part and play his role within the offense. Expect Gordon to get at least 150 to 200 total touches if he stays healthy for a full season in 2015.
Keep it simple, Philip: Too often in 2014, quarterback Philip Rivers tried to make the big play instead of taking what the defense gave him. But you can't blame Rivers for trying to put the Chargers on his back. After putting himself in the MVP discussion by helping San Diego get out to a 5-1 start in 2014, the Chargers trailed at halftime in seven of their last 10 games. Rivers finished with a total QBR of 55.8 on passes 10 yards or fewer, which ranked 19th among NFL quarterbacks in 2014. Rivers finished No. 7 in the NFL with a total QBR of 67.2 on passes of 10 yards or fewer in 2013. Rivers has to take the checkdown more often.
It's all about the ball: Defensive coordinator John Pagano said a point of emphasis for his defense this offseason is playing fast and physical, creating havoc and forcing more turnovers. San Diego forced just 35 turnovers over the past two seasons, second worst in the NFL. The Chargers last led the NFL in turnovers forced in 2007 with 48. And it's no coincidence that 2007 is the last year San Diego's defense finished among the top five in points allowed, giving up just 17.8 points a contest.
Get after the quarterback: Jarret Johnson and Dwight Freeney are no longer on the roster, clearing a path for Melvin Ingram and Jeremiah Attaochu to step up as San Diego's main edge rushers. Ingram and Attaochu missed a combined 12 games last year. The Chargers finished in the bottom third in the NFL in sacks for the last three seasons, but having a healthy Ingram and Attaochu for an entire season could change that.
Stay healthy: Speaking of injuries, according to Football Outsiders the Chargers were No. 2 behind the New York Giants in adjusted games lost due to a rash of injuries suffered last season, which included five different starting centers. The Chargers finished No. 5 in adjusted games lost in 2013. Heading into training camp this year, San Diego is mostly healthy. The Chargers need to keep it that way if they expect to make the postseason for the second time in three seasons.
