In perhaps the most physical and competitive practice for the San Diego Chargers during training camp, inside linebacker Manti Te'o and guard Orlando Franklin had a brief confrontation that resulted in a minor scrum during team drills on Wednesday.

Te’o pancaked tight end David Johnson on a pass over the middle, and Franklin came to the defense of his teammate, knocking Te’o to the ground.

Te’o went after Franklin, and the two had to be separated. Philip Rivers taunted the defense afterward, essentially saying it took more than two weeks for the defense to show some fight during practice.

Franklin and Te’o shook hands after practice.

“It’s always good competition,” Te’o told Marty Caswell of The Mighty 1090 AM radio in this video. “That’s what happens when you’re competing out there.”

My take: Chargers head coach Mike McCoy was pleased with the urgency and energy created by the intense competition in situational work. Fights are an inevitable part of the deal when players are competing in a physical sport like football, and players did a good job making sure things didn’t get out of hand.

Gil Brandt of NFL.com puts together his offensive rookie of the year candidates, and Melvin Gordon comes in at No. 3 on the list.

Brandt: “The Wisconsin product isn't as good an inside runner as Todd Gurley, but he has strength, size and exceptional perimeter speed. He's a terrific competitor and probably a stronger runner than I've given him credit for. He also has big hands, which should help make him a threat in the passing game.”

My take: Gordon looks like a runner who performs better as the game goes on, so I’m interested to see him get an extended look in the third preseason game against a good defense like the Seattle Seahawks. Gurley tops Brandt’s list.

Andy Benoit of Sports Illustrated writes about Rivers’ magical footwork in tight spaces, which allows him to make plays down the field from inside the pocket.

My take: Rivers not only has good footwork, but great vision, anticipation and accuracy that leads to explosive plays down the field.

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com writes about San Diego edge rusher Cordarro Law, who wants to be known as the silent assassin of the Chargers’ linebackers group.

My take: Law has a knack for rushing the quarterback and should get more opportunities with Tourek Williams nursing a foot injury.