Chargers fall behind early, lose to Seahawks in preseason clash
By Travis Wakeman
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Seattle Seahawks, 23-15, in preseason action Saturday night.
The team is still winless this preseason, however, it is probably just as ready to get through the exhibition season as the fans are. The final preseason game takes place this Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers.
The Seahawks got up 23-3 going into the fourth quarter before fifth-round pick Easton Stick led a late rally to get his team back in the game. That rally ended when a fourth-down pass to Justice Liggins fell incomplete as Liggins slid on the field.
The Seahawks gained 87 more total yards than the Chargers and held the ball for seven minutes more. They also ran 70 offensive plays to the Chargers 54. Looking at those numbers, it may be clear to see why the Seahawks won the game.
Still, Anthony Lynn will still be happy with his team’s performance. The Chargers committed just five penalties and didn’t turn the ball over. Ty Long did have an extra point blocked, so that will be something the team will want to focus on in practice this week, making sure that doesn’t happen when the games start to count.
Players who stood out
Easton Stick: In the competition with Cardale Jones, Stick took a clear lead, even if Dan Fouts and LaDainian Tomlinson want to say it’s “neck and neck”, as they did during the broadcast. Jones was 4-of-5 for 50 yards in the game but Stick came in and completed 12 of his 16 throws for 82 yards with a touchdown passing and another rushing. The touchdown pass came after a throw in which he showed great anticipation and trust with receiver Andre Patton.
Andre Patton: Patton caught just one pass in the game, but it was a touchdown on a play in which he made a great adjustment to the ball. He should make the team, but Artavis Scott, who caught four passes for 66 yards, has made his case as well.
Chris Peace: Will Peace or Anthony Lanier earn a spot on the final roster? It could go either way, but Peace got a late sack in the game in which he absolutely blew by Elijah Nkansah to get to the quarterback. It was an impressive play by a player who will be tough to cut.
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Drue Tranquill: Tranquill was all over the place in this game and led the team with nine tackles. He is a high-energy player who looks like he will really bring a new element to the defense this season.
Those who didn’t
Tyler Newsome: The Chargers punted just twice in the game, but both of those were handled by Long. It appears the punting competition is over and Newsome will have to hope he catches on somewhere else.
Top running backs: The combination of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson totaled nine carries for 24 yards in the game. That’s not cause for concern, but it will lead to questions over whether or not these two can carry the load heading into the season.