Seahawks vs. Chargers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Time and Predictions
By Chris Roling
Jul 26, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) avoids a tackle by linebacker Manti Te
The Seattle Sehawks are a team entering the 2013 season with high hopes, while the San Diego Chargers are simply hoping to improve on a disappointing campaign from a year ago.
Both teams took opposite paths last season, but they’ll collide in Week 1 of the preseason to begin their 2013 journeys. Seattle is led by a youngster in Russell Wilson while the Chargers continue to be directed by the savvy Philip Rivers, Both won’t see a lot of action, but it’s an intriguing matchup either way.
Here’s an early look at the game.
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
When: August 8, 2013, 10:00 PM ET
Watch: Local
Live Stream: NFL Game Rewind
Seahawks Player to Watch: Cliff Avril
Dec. 16, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA: Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril (92) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Lions 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Seahawks went a long way in improving the pass rush this offseason by bringing on free agents Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett. Not only that, the team has an outstanding pass-rusher in second-year linebacker Bruce Irvin (who will miss this matchup).
Avril had a straightforward job during his time with the Lions—get to the quarterback. His job is pretty similar in Seattle, but it will be interesting to see him take the field with the unit for the first time. Keep an eye on how and where he fits.
Chargers Player to Watch: D. J. Fluker
Jul 25, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers offensive tackle D.J. Fluker (76) during training camp at Chargers Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers lost an elite offensive lineman this past offseason when Louis Vasquez jumped across the AFC West and joined the Denver Broncos. San Diego tried to remedy the situation by bringing on D.J. Fluker out of Alabama in the draft (yes, Vasquez played guard and Fluker plays right tackle).
It’s weird to see the offensive line not be a major priority for San Diego considering how battered and bruised Philip Rivers got last season. Fluker is one key to the unit turning things around. There are questions about his ability in pass protection, so keep a watchful eye on that.
Matchup to Watch: Chargers Offensive Line vs. Seahawks Pass Rush
Jun 12, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) participates in minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Like you couldn’t see this one coming. The Seahawks have an outstanding pass rush, with or without Bruce Irvin. How the young and questionable offensive line in San Diego reacts to this early test could say a lot about how the 2013 season will play out.
It’s early, but the Chargers have to begin to find some kind of balance and chemistry along the line. The rookie Fluker is but one piece of a unit that has to make a major step up this year when compared to last. That begins now.
Prediction
Aug 6, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Mike Morgan (57) participates in drills at training camp at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
On paper the Seahawks are easily the better team at this point with no real questions about the roster. That goes for when comparing the starting and backup units.
Right now San Diego is just trying to find the pieces that fit correctly in some areas. Everything in Seattle is set and the only goal is to continue to improve. Expect Seattle to do just that on the road Thursday.
Seahawks 24, Chargers 7
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