A few thoughts on the Chargers’ 31-10 home loss to Seattle on Thursday night:
All in all, it was a positive night for the Chargers. Only in the preseason can that be said about a three-touchdown loss at home.
The Chargers’ backups were throttled Thursday night. We all know the Chargers are not a deep team. If the injuries continue to pile up, it will be a problem. But the good news is the Chargers' first-stringers looked strong against a very good team in Mike McCoy’s first preseason game.
Sure, teams want to see the entire program do well. But if you had to pick one unit to look good, of course, it would be the frontliners. San Diego hung well with Seattle’s first-stringers. San Diego led 3-0 after the first quarter.
The focal point of the McCoy regime, quarterback Philip Rivers, looked great. He completed 5 of 6 passes and led the Chargers on a 12-play drive that resulted in a field goal. The first-string offensive line, the biggest question mark, did well and running back Ryan Mathews ran with a purpose.
Defensively, San Diego held a potent Seattle attack to no scores on two drives. Key newcomers Dwight Freeney and Manti Te'o both were active.
Rookie receiver Keenan Allen got some action as a punt returner. Expect him to be a big part of the team as a rookie.
Safety Sean Cattouse, linebacker D.J. Smith and tight end Ladarius Green stood out as depth players.
Backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst struggled as he threw two interceptions. But rookie Brad Sorensen, who was up-and-down in camp, had a nice day. He was 7-for-10 and connected with Green on a 31-yard touchdown.
