Rapid Reaction: Seahawks at Chargers

August 18, 2018

The NFL’s second week of the preseason is underway as the Seattle Seahawks travel to Los Angeles to take on the Chargers. We get a live-action look at a new Seahawks’ offensive scheme, a revamped defense, an intriguing group of rookies and multiple position battles on both sides of the ball.

Seattle’s offense moved the ball well early on, but couldn’t capitalize despite multiple trips inside the redzone. After Philip Rivers led the Chargers to a touchdown on their opening drive, the rest of the night remained L.A.’s, as the Seahawks would fall 24-14.

Full Press Coverage brings you their rapid reaction to all the action on the field.

Russell Wilson and the first-team offense:

The Seahawks’ number one offense played four series on the night. Their first three drives reached inside the Chargers’ 15, but Seattle could manage only two field goals. Two Chris Carson carries from inside L.A.’s one-yard line went nowhere and he ended up losing a fumble on the second one. Despite the lack of scoring, Russell Wilson again looked sharp, completing 13 of 21 passes for 193 yards with no turnovers.  He connected on a couple of beautiful deep balls with Jaron Brown and David Moore.  Wilson played the entirety of the first half.

#Seahawks Russell Wilson to WR Jaron Brown is going to be a real thing this year.#GoHawks #Chargers #SEAvsLAC #FantasyFootball pic.twitter.com/5qSrt7Xju6

— Pete Lawrence (@_PeteLaw) August 19, 2018

Defense redux:

Defensive End Frank Clark made his season debut with the starters, while the rest of the starting unit remained the same as last week.  The Chargers marched their opening possession of the game 70 yards down the field in nine plays, culminating in a Melvin Gordon three-yard TD plunge.  Seattle couldn’t get any pressure on Chargers’ QB Philip Rivers, and he finished the game six of seven passing for 62 yards.  The Seahawks’ d-line was pushed around all night as L.A. rushed for 176 yards at a 4.8 yards per carry clip.

Seahawks ascending:

P Michael Dickson: The rookie seemed to firmly grab the punting job over incumbent John Ryan. Averaged 53.7 yards on three punts with major hang-time.

You should rarely get excited about a punt… but when it's Michael Dickson, you should get excited. 55 yards and good hang time (5.4 sec)!! #Seahawkspic.twitter.com/ytmnRMu9aY

— Samuel Gold (@SamuelRGold) August 19, 2018

WR David Moore: Fought through contact in double coverage to come down with a 52-yard pass from Russell Wilson in the first quarter. On the very next play, he made a jump-ball grab along the sideline at the Chargers’ seven before going down just six inches short of the goal line.

WHAT A CATCH BY DAVID MOORE!! (x2)

📺: @nflnetwork #SEAvsLAC pic.twitter.com/D2QnWHkdX8

— NFL (@NFL) August 19, 2018

DE Rasheem Green: After grabbing 1.5 sacks last week against the Colts, Green again flashed as a pass-rusher.  Finished the night by adding another sack and a half in the second half.

DT Tom Johnson: A bright spot for the defensive line in the first half.  Had a couple of QB pressures and a half sack of Geno Smith in the second quarter.

Seahawks descending:

Germain Ifedi: Struggled badly in pass-protection against Melvin Ingram. Was bowled over by Ingram a couple of times, surrendering numerous pressures with one sack. Should have been called for a false-start penalty but the refs called it on Jaron Brown instead.

TE Will Dissly: A block in the back penalty by the rookie negated a 23-yard Chris Carson touchdown run just minutes into the game. Failed to record a catch.

RB Chris Carson:  Ran with power and speed early but couldn’t punch it in on two straight carries at the goal line.  Lost a fumble on his second-straight carry inside the Chargers’ one.

QB Austin Davis:  Battling rookie Alex McGough for the backup quarterback job, the veteran Davis completed just one of three throws for six yards.

Other news and notes:

Former University of Washington wideout Damorea Stringfellow was out with the starters on the ‘Hawks first possession, finished with once catch for five yards…Philip Rivers, in his season debut, played into the second quarter…Seahawks’ RCB Byron Maxwell sat out the game, Tre Flowers started in his place…WR’s Tyler Lockett and Amara Darboh also sat…Seahawks’ RG D.J. Fluker left the game early with what appeared to be right hand injury…C.J. Prosise saw his first action of the year, finished with 47 offensive yards on nine touches…rookie QB Alex McGough to undrafted rookie WR Malik Turner on a fourth quarter fade pass was Seattle’s only touchdown of the night.

Final Analysis:

It was a frustrating game for the Seahawks.  The starting O was able to move the ball well, but couldn’t capitalize in the redzone. Dissly’s penalty and Carson’s fumble were back-breakers. Wilson was once again forced to bail out a leaky offensive line, as it was his ability to escape the rush that kept them moving. On defense, Seattle struggled against the run and couldn’t get much pressure on the QBs until the backups entered for both sides. Wasn’t a great night for special-teams either, as the Chargers Justin Jones returned a John Ryan punt 72 yards for a score.  The Seahawks will look to regroup next week against the Vikings in Minnesota.