Seahawks-Chargers final score: Seahawks suffer 24-14 defeat, fall to 0-2 in 2018 preseason

The Seattle Seahawks dropped to 0-2 in the 2018 NFL preseason, blowing early opportunities and losing to the Los Angeles Chargers 24-14 in Carson, California. Russell Wilson looked sharp with his deep ball, throwing for almost 200 yards in the 1st half, while Chris Carson had some exciting moments, but had an unfortunate fumble at the goal line. Seattle’s first-team defense gave up a touchdown and nothing more, and the special teams was clearly headlined by the punting excellency of Michael Dickson.

Seattle got off to a brilliant start, as Russell Wilson found a wide open Jaron Brown off play-action for about 30 yards on the first play of the game, then added 15 yards due to a helmet-to-helmet shot by Jaylen Watkins. Chris Carson scored on a toss just two plays later, but rookie TE Will Dissly wiped it out with an illegal block in the back. The Seahawks kicked a field goal, as Jason Myers split the uprights.

Making his preseason debut, Chargers QB Philip Rivers found Tyrell Williams for an impressive 21-yard gain, as Justin Coleman was beaten on the play. Rivers, Melvin Gordon, and Keenan Allen all had strong moments picking apart Seattle’s defense, and the Chargers were able to finish their opening drive with a two-yard score for Melvin Gordon.

Wilson hooked up again with Brown for 45 yards on the next possession, but the Seahawks again settled for 3, this time with Sebastian Janikowski making what was a chipshot field goal.

David Moore set the Seahawks up deep in enemy territory with a remarkable 52-yard snag in double coverage, then came up inches short of the goal-line on his next catch. Unfortunately, the ball was at the 1, and the Seahawks ran it, so guess what happened? Carson fumbled at the goal-line and former Seahawk Brandon Mebane recovered it.

Rivers’ day was done before Wilson’s, so Geno Smith came in for Los Angeles. He got them a couple of first-downs before a Quinton Jefferson sack killed off his first drive. Not to fear, as after a couple of three-and-outs by the Seahawks, Jon Ryan’s 57-yard punt would be taken back 72 yards for a touchdown by the speedy J.J. Jones. Wilson stayed in for the rest of the half and didn’t add any more points.

By the time Austin Davis saw playing time, the Chargers extended the lead to 21-6, as Geno Smith found 2017 first-round draft pick Mike Williams for a touchdown, with Akeem King unable to jar the ball free in coverage. Davis played poorly, and frankly I’ve wiped most of his snaps out of my memory even while writing this recap up.

Rookie QB Alex McGough brought the Seahawks back into the ballgame with a lofted 39-yard throw to Cyril Grayson, and then a touchdown to Malik Turner, followed by a two-point conversion to Grayson. Not exactly a great series of plays by cornerback B.J. Clay, who was roasted on all of those passes.

Just like last week, the Seahawks defense had the chance to get the ball back by making a three-and-out stop, only for the opposition’s run game to get the conversion. Detrez Newsome broke through for a 31-yard gain that put the Chargers into field goal range, and Roberto Aguayo iced the game shortly thereafter.

Injury report

RG DJ Fluker suffered a finger injury and did not return.

Next week’s opponent

The Seahawks travel to Minneapolis for a showdown with the Minnesota Vikings on Friday, August 24th at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.