The Los Angeles Chargers wrapped up their preseason in Seattle against the Seattle Seahawks. With most starters sitting, the backups and young talent were able to put their talents on display, much like the weeks prior. Well, that is to say, the Seahawks were able to put their talents on display, as the Chargers dropped a goose egg. The Seahawks thumped the Chargers 27-0, blowing them out in convincing fashion. However, though it was an utter beatdown on the Chargers by the Seahawks, it was not without some positive individual results. These are the Chargers’ takeaways from preseason week 3.
There is little to say about the Chargers’ offense in this game. The Chargers offense looked utterly hopeless on the field. The offense only crossed the midfield line twice through the whole game. One of those drives ended on a punt from Seattle’s 49-yard line, and the other resulted in a missed field goal by now-starting kicker Tristan Vizcaino. Not to mention, backup quarterback Chase Daniel fumbled the ball on the first drive of the game, leading to a fumble return touchdown by Seahawks safety Marquise Blair.
On the other side of the ball, the Chargers’ defense did little to quell the Seahawks’ onslaught. Though there were some impressive individual performances on the Chargers’ defense, the main story here is that the Seahawks put up 20 unanswered points (two touchdowns, two field goals). The defense looked uninspired, as if they knew the game didn’t matter. Though it naturally did not, giving an effort to win as if it does is what everyone wants to see.
NIck Niemann, right, was the bolt of light for the Chargers this preseason. (via Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
Larry Rountree, middle, was the only running back that was able to produce any yardage against the Seahawks. (via Chargers)
“The preseason doesn’t matter.” That phrase is constantly used whenever a team loses or has a concerning performance. However, preseason does matter, because any preseason game showcases a team’s relative strengths and weaknesses. The Chargers have many weaknesses that must be addressed, as showcased by this preseason game. The team cannot rely solely on their talent-packed starters to perform. After all, if key starters get injured, who will fill their role? As it stands, head coach Brandon Staley needs to think of a solution, and fast. However, this issue is not one that can be addressed too easily. The Chargers must get through this predicament soon, or else Staley might lose his support quickly. These were the Chargers’ takeaways from preseason week 3.
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