The Los Angeles Chargers return to ROKit Field at StubHub Center for the first time in 2018 when they host the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff Saturday night is set for 7:00 p.m.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
Philip Rivers is primed to make his preseason debut, looking to pick up where he left off a year ago. Number 17 led a high-powered attack that led the league in passing and ranked third in total yards. Saturday night might also mark the preseason debuts of Keenan Allen and Travis Benjamin, who were rested a week ago in Arizona.
On Offense for the Seahawks
Watch for Seattle to test the Bolts' run defense as the Seahawks have had one of the most prolific rushing attacks in recent memory. In fact, their 14,773 team rushing yards since 2011 are the second most in the NFL over that span.
On Defense for the Chargers
The Chargers defense played relatively lights out football after the first drive a week ago. They allowed only 88 yards of offense in the first half while forcing Arizona to go 0-for-11 on third down. Head Coach Anthony Lynn was so impressed by the second-team defense that he hinted they might be elevated to starter status if they keep up this level of play. So, it figures to be a big night for the likes of Uchenna Nwosu, Kyzir White and Derwin James. In fact, Lynn said he expects his rookies to get a lot of run.
On Defense for the Seahawks
The Griffin brothers are one of two sets of twins currently playing in the NFL. Shaquill established himself as a dominant safety a year ago, and he is now joined by Shaquem, a linebacker out of Central Florida who Seattle drafted in the fifth round. Shaquem made waves during the draft as he thrived in college despite having his left hand amputated as a child due to a congenital birth defect. The rookie showed he belongs at this level in his preseason debut, racking up nine total tackles with one tackle for loss.
Series History
The Chargers are 24-26 all-time against the Seahawks and are 4-11 in preseason contests. The two teams have met in nine of the last 12 preseasons, including the preseason opener last season, where Seattle won, 48-17. The last time the Chargers downed the Seahawks in the preseason was an 18-17 decision on Aug. 25, 2008.
By the Numbers
In 2017, the Chargers ranked fourth in total offense (376.6 yards per game), first in passing (276.9 ypg), 24th in rushing (99.7 ypg) and 13th in points (22.2). The Seahawks ranked 15th in total offense (330.4 ypg), 14th in passing (228.6 ypg), 23rd in rushing (101.8 ypg) and 11th in points (22.9).
Defensively, the Bolts ranked 15th in total defense (328.4 ypg), third in passing (197.2 ypg), 31st in rushing (131.1 ypg) and third in points allowed (17.0). Seattle ranked 11th in total defense (323.2 ypg), sixth in passing (209.2 ypg), 19th in rushing (114.0 ypg) and 10th in points allowed (20.8).
Connections
NT Brandon Mebane played in Seattle for nine seasons (2007-15), including the team's Super Bowl XLVIII victory.
LT Russell Okung was Seattle's first-round draft choice in 2010 (sixth overall), playing his first six seasons for the Seahawks (2010-15).
Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley held the same title in Seattle for three seasons (2009-12).
Seattle G/T D.J. Fluker spent the four seasons with the Chargers from 2013-16.
CB Trovon Reed played with the Chargers for the 2016 season.
Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer coached for the Chargers for three seasons (2002-05).
Broadcast Information
KABC-TV (Simulcast live out of market on NFL Network) – Spero Dedes (play-by-play), LaDainian Tomlinson (analyst) and Hayley Elwood (sideline)
KFI-AM 640 – Matt "Money" Smith (play-by-play), Daniel Jeremiah (analyst) and Shannon Farren (sideline)
Spanish Radio: KFWB – AM 980 – Mario Solis (play-by-play) and Jorge Villanueva (analyst)
