They were at Qualcomm Stadium. They wore their home blues. There were thousands of fans in the stands, perpetually chanting the initials of LaDainian Tomlinson, who was virtually untouchable with the ball in his hands.

The only thing missing? Evidently, a real opponent.

“I would say we could play a game this week if we had to,” said Ted Cottrell, speaking on behalf of the Chargers defense as its coordinator. “The comparison from where we were last year at this point to today . . . well, there's no comparison. We're so much further along.”

Understand, the Chargers have only been fully together since veterans reported late last week. Yesterday's workout at FanFest – preceded by an autograph session with people lined almost completely around the playing field, 10-15 deep – essentially marked an end to one phase of training camp after eight days of mostly two-a-days for many of the players.

Ah, but Cottrell's point is, these Chargers basically have been together an entire year with relatively little change in personnel. Aside from talent and depth at nearly every position, they're counting on their continuity and combined experience to help them avoid the sort of ragged start that made 2007 such a difficult season.

With still a week before their exhibition opener against the Dallas Cowboys next Saturday night at Qualcomm, the Chargers are taking today off and returning to the practice field tomorrow. Clearly, the emphasis now is on the newcomers to the system and those trying to find jobs in the supporting cast.

“We did a similar practice today to the one we did Wednesday night (behind closed doors at the stadium),” said coach Norv Turner. “I thought we were better today . . . We were more efficient. The young guys had a better feel for what we're talking about, how we're going about doing things.”

Notable

The day's most dazzling play was provided by Darren Sproles, who returned a punt into the corner more than 90 yards, looking more like an Olympic sprinter once he'd broken through the coverage.

With most spots on the roster determined, the greatest concern among the Chargers is keeping everybody healthy. For a while yesterday, it looked as if Pro Bowl special-teams ace and wide receiver Kassim Osgood had injured his right leg in contact with cornerback Cletis Gordon that actually separated Osgood from one of his cleats. After receiving treatment along the sideline, however, Osgood returned to action. (Gordon went on to intercept a pass.)

Another year, another rushing title has only intensified the affection in San Diego for Tomlinson, whose approach with pen in hand had fans pressing forward to challenge the restraints of steel barricades. “A day like this is pretty cool,” said Tomlinson. “As a kid, getting a chance to meet Emmitt Smith meant a lot to me.”

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Chris Jenkins: (619) 293-1267; chris.jenkins@uniontrib.com