CARSON, Calif. -- After making turnovers a point of emphasis during the offseason and training camp, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn was not pleased with how his team took care of the football in a 48-17 loss against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, the team's debut at the StubHub Center.
"I thought we started the game well," Lynn said. "I definitely didn't like when the twos came in. We turned the ball over three times and we stopped playing Chargers' football.
"The thing we emphasized all training camp and during OTAs is turnovers, and we did that in the first half three times, and in the game four times."
Backup quarterback Kellen Clemens was responsible for three of those turnovers, two interceptions off deflected passes and a fumble on a mishandled handoff. Reserve quarterback Mike Bercovici also lost a fumble on the final offensive play of the game after being sacked in the red zone.
The Chargers did manage to force a turnover on an interception by rookie Desmond King in the second half.
The Chargers led the league in turnovers with 35 last season, and quarterback Philip Rivers finished with a career-high 21 turnovers in 2016. So Lynn will continue to work on that issue.
However, on a positive note Lynn liked the way the offense executed on the opening drive -- a 13-play, 75-yard series that was capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Antonio Gates.
Five different players touched the football on the opening drive for the Chargers.
"It was good, balanced football," Lynn said. "We ran it efficiently. Philip passed the ball accurately and Antonio made a nice play in the end zone. That's what we're looking for."
Lynn also got solid contributions from a couple special-teamers battling for jobs. Incumbent Josh Lambo drilled a 53-yard field goal and both of his kickoffs went for touchbacks. And punter Drew Kaser averaged 57 yards on three punts.
Rookie Nigel Harris led the Chargers with a combined nine tackles. Nose tackle Ryan Carrethers finished with five combined tackles, and rookie defensive end Isaac Rochell recorded five combined tackles, half a sack and a quarterback hit.
Gates expects improved play from his team next week against the New Orleans Saints.
"Obviously, not matter what the circumstance is you want to win the football game," Gates said. "So I think that's the reason for the preseason -- to be able to go back to the drawing board and see what you can do better. Next week I'll guarantee you we put a better foot forward."
