Introduction
The Chargers headed up to Seattle for their week 9 game against the Seahawks. Playing in Seattle is always tough because of their fans, who are called the 12thman. Not only will the Seahawks have the 12thman, but they are also 4-1 in their last 5 games. The Chargers need to stop the Seahawks run game early on, because that is what they rely on. If they can figure out how to stop the run, they should have an easy win away from home
Recap
The Seahawks started the game running the ball to exploit the Chargers poor run defense. They converted three 3rd-and-1’s on their first drive and found themselves in the red zone. Russell Wilson then threw a touchdown pass to WR Jaron Brown to put the Seahawks up 7-0. On the next drive, Philip Rivers was in attack mode, taking the Chargers 94 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers kicker Caleb Sturgis missed the extra point, putting them down 7-6. Sturgis also missed a Field Goal this game which led to him being released after the game. The Chargers defense was able to hold the Seahawks to three-and-out on their ensuing drive. Rivers took advantage of this, throwing a 54-yard bomb to Keenan Allen. Melvin Gordon did the rest with a 34-yard touchdown run…wait for it…another missed Field Goal by Sturgis. As I said in my last blog, Mike Badgley should have got the start, but going with the veteran Sturgis was not a crazy decision. Badgley is now officially on the starting roster and no longer with the practice squad. After a couple of three-and-outs, Rivers regained form and found receiver Mike Williams on a hitch route that turned into a 30-yard TD with one-minute left. That one minute turned out to be enough time for the Seahawks to kick a 44-yard field goal, putting the game at 19-10 going into the second half.
Not much went on in the second half of the game. It stayed close until Chargers cornerback Desmond King picked off Wilson and took it home for a score. On the next drive, Wilson made some impressive passes and finished with a TD pass to tight end Nick Vannett. With under two-minutes to go and the game at 25-17, the Seahawks were desperate and attempted an onside kick. The ball landed right in the hands of Austin Ekeler. However, the Chargers went a quick three-and-out and gave the Seahawks one last chance. They were unable to get anything going.
On To Next Week
After another close victory, the Charger hope to continue their hot streak in Oakland next week. Oakland has been struggling this year under new head coach Jon Gruden, which should make this an easy win for the Chargers. Right now, the Chargers look like they are going to be a wild card in the playoffs, unless the Chiefs slip up or fall to the Chargers in week 15. Week 15 is a couple weeks away, so we have to worry about beating the lowly raiders. Stay tuned for my next blog and get ready to stomp on the Raiders
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