For football fans in San Diego, August is when the National Football League season begins. This also means the San Diego Chargers get a fresh start for the 2013 season. Last year nearing the end of the season, the Chargers hopes of making it to the playoffs were put to rest after a 31-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

As they enter the 2013 season, the Chargers hope that the new additions, such as Manti T’eo, who was selected in the second round of this year’s draft, will give new life to the team. T’eo was involved in an online dating scandal earlier this year which drew a lot of attention to the Notre Dame graduate. Regardless of the controversy, T’eo must prove that he is a beneficial contribution to the team.

The draft was not the only source of new additions that are expected to play a crucial role on the team this year. Mike McCoy, previously the Denver Bronco’s offensive coordinator, is replacing former head coach, Norv Turner. McCoy is expected to deliver a straightforward approach to the Chargers offensive strategy and this will hopefully result in a more efficient and successful defense as well. McCoy’s offensive strategy seemed to work out when San Diego defeated the Arizona Cardinals in their first preseason win on Aug. 24. The final score was 24-7.

However, it was a different story one week later with the Chargers 41-6 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 29. This loss may have had to do with the fact that San Diego decided to play their second string and rest their first string team members for regular season.

Entering the regular season with a 1-3 2013 preseason record, San Diego must prove both to themselves and to others that they are a team not to be taken lightly. The results of Monday night’s season opener against the Houston Texans, who went 3-1 in the preseason, will add more insight into just how successful the Chargers will be this season.