Chargers / Seahawks – The good, mediocre and ugly

The final score of the Chargers 3rd pre-season game against the Seahawks was not a good indicator of how well the team played.  If it was not for a punt return for a TD by the Seahawks the Chargers would have cruised in this one as they out-gained the Seahawks 386 yards to 222 yards.

Brandon Oliver continues to amaze.  Nice 70 yard catch and run from the little fella.  And a wicked stiff arm in the middle that threw a CB to the ground

The GoodThe Chargers defense was solid. They held the Seahawks to 3.8 yards per play and kept them out of the endzone. They were able to get into the backfield to break up plays and gathered 2 sacks (they should of had a 3rd sack if Wilson had not intentionally grounded the ball).  They also held the Seahawks to 4 of 15 on 3rd down conversions.

Phillip Rivers and the receivers had a good game.  Phil went 13 of 19 for 140 yards and got Johnson and Allen involved.  We even had a Ladarius Green sighting on a play action pass.

Brandon Oliver continues to amaze.  Nice 70 yard catch and run from the little fella. And a wicked stiff arm in the middle that threw a CB to the ground.

Javontee Herdon’s reverse for 42 yards showed us why this guy will make the roster this year.

The MediocreThe Chargers offensive line did not open many holes for the running game, but then they were going against one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL.  Phil also got harassed in the backfield a couple of times but the Hawks were bringing the blitz often.

And The UglySpecial teams did not look so good in this one.  Obviously letting Lockette run 67 yards straight up the middle of the punt return defense was a huge gaff. It appeared to be a total breakdown on coverage.  Then there are the minor things like not kicking off deep enough (Novak) and Jacoby Jones fumbling a kickoff return out of bounds.  These things will definitely need to be tuned up before the regular season.

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The punt return was the difference in the game.  Without it this an easy win by the Chargers.

Favorite Moment of the GameWhen Phillip grabbed a hold of Clark after getting sacked and pulled him back to the ground to give him a few words of encouragement.