Chargers seek first win as they head to Seattle to face defending champions
The Los Angeles Chargers will try to open the win column Sunday when they visit the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. PT. Oddsmakers list the Bolts as underdogs for the road game. Seattle is the defending Super Bowl champion and enters Week 4 at 2-1.
Chargers players and coaches said the focus this week has been on putting a full game together and finding ways to win. “We all just want to put a complete game together as an entire team,” Joe Alt said. Khalil Mack added, “The wins are on the way, we just have to go take them.”
Los Angeles’ offense has been a point of emphasis after scoring 10 points in last week’s loss at Buffalo despite the defense producing five turnovers. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel accepted responsibility for the unit’s struggles and called for improvement. “Flat out, our jobs are to improve everything,” McDaniel said.
The Seahawks defense has allowed just five explosive pass plays of 15 yards or more in three games and has not permitted a rushing touchdown this season. “They do what they do and they do it really well,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh praised Seattle’s staff and called coordinator Mike Macdonald “a winner” while noting the defense plays with impressive connection and edge.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a central concern for Los Angeles as he leads the NFL with 405 receiving yards and has six touchdown catches. Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary named him first when asked what stands out about the Seahawks’ offense: “JSN, immediately.” Derwin James said, “We have to know where he’s at all the time,” and defenders Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart are among those expected to have key roles in limiting him.
Late-game execution has been a major problem for the Chargers this season, who have been outscored 33-3 in the fourth quarter and hold a minus-30 differential in the final period. Through three games the team ranks 31st in points allowed (11.0) and 32nd in points scored (3.0) in fourth quarters. “We have to be able to close games like that against teams like that,” Mack said. Alt added, “I do not think we’re far off at all; there is a lot of good on the tape.”
The Chargers practiced this week with simulated crowd noise to prepare for the notoriously loud environment at Lumen Field. Special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken called the crowd “hostile” but said momentum swings on special teams can help neutralize the noise. Harbaugh, who has coached in Seattle, called the stadium “a tremendous place to play football” and said it demands focus and execution. The Chargers hope preparation and key plays can blunt the home-field advantage.
NFL Sports Blog Take
Los Angeles must correct offensive inconsistency and late-game breakdowns to have a realistic chance in Seattle. The Chargers face an elite defense that limits big passing plays and has not allowed a rushing touchdown, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba presents a top receiving threat. Winning the fourth quarter and generating early offensive momentum, including impactful special-teams plays that can blunt the crowd, will be decisive in whether the Bolts can secure their first victory of the season.